Filtration
Filtration
Madaline®, offers a unique filtration media for multiple applications due to its unique structure which provides a filtration efficiency similar to meltblown while maintaining the strength of a spunbond continuous fiber.
Madaline® uses patented bi-component technology to produce a unique continuous filament web of polyester and polyamide fibers which is subsequently subjected to high pressure water jets to fibrillate, entangle and consolidated into a fabric. The fabric produced consists of both large and very small microfibers fibers intermingled throughout the web. Madaline® microfilaments are up to 100 times thinner than the human hair and are the key to Madaline®’s unique properties.
The table below compares Madaline® to spunbond and meltblown fabrics, each at the same unit weight and tested by the same procedure and rate of air flow. It can be observed that Madaline can certainly be considered a viable replacement for meltblown fabrics in some applications.
Madaline® can be produced up to 200 gsm at fabric widths up to 3000mm. It offers excellent spot-to-spot uniformity for heightened reliability, and its continuous filaments mean reduced fiber migration, freedom from lint and provides added strength.
It is also possible to adjust the ratio of polyester to nylon fibers and the degree of fibrillation (number of small fibers) in Madaline® for very specific customer requirements.
Madaline® can be combined in custom filtration composites with other nonwovens by thermal, adhesive or sonic bonding and by mechanical means. It can also be made into pocket filters replacing needlefelts in some applications. Madaline contains no binders or solvents and the ingredients for Madaline are in compliance with Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004 on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.
Technical Features
BreathableMicro-channels are created inside Madaline® during the hydro-entanglement of very fine microfilaments. These micro-channels make Madaline® permeable, allowing air and vapor to flow through these micro-channels. While the surface area presented by the very thin microfilaments acts as a barrier to trap particles and liquids, the micro-channel paths allow the fabric to breath.
Moisture Management and Fast DryingUntreated Madaline® absorbs 200% of its own weight in water and, with hydrophilic treatment, absorbency can increase to 500%. This is much greater than the 70% absorbency of traditional textiles.
Multi-Directional Tensile StrengthMadaline®, as a light weight fabric, has strong multidirectional tensile and tear strength. Additionally, Madaline® poses multidimensional stability due to its endless microfilaments which when entangled consolidate to form a uniformly stable fabric. These attributes make Madaline® an excellent material for the production of home furnishings, uniforms, outdoor active wear, vehicle interiors, etc.
Bursting StrengthMadaline® has been tested for bursting strength in accordance with ISO 13938-1:1999 and achieved a Class A performance level rating.
Barrier Against House Dust Mites and High Bacterial Filtration EfficiencyMadaline® is inherently a barrier to the passage of dust mite particles with its intricate entanglement of very fine microfilaments. This web formation blocks mite particles to offer protection to those with mite allergies. Madaline® is also a very efficient filter of microorganisms and bacteria.
Mosquito Proof BarrierMadaline® inherently is a barrier against mosquitos with its intricate and finely entangled microfilaments. The fabric’s structure blocks the insect from accessing the skin.
Resistance to AbrasionCompared to traditional woven and knit textiles, Madaline® is durable to abrasion and therefore low-pilling. The high strength nylon component of Madaline® mitigates filaments from snapping under abrasive friction and breaking free onto the surface.
Shape MemoryMadaline® inherently possesses ‘shape memory’ with its multidirectional and uniform tensile strength. Multidirectional entanglement of microfilaments containing polyamide yields a fabric which retains its shape and surface structure, without wrinkling, even after numerous wash cycles.
Matte White ColorMadaline® is manufactured as a very uniform fabric, with a very smooth and regular surface, in a matte-white color. Therefore, it is an excellent base media for printing and its micro-channels and polymers allow for very efficient use of dyes. Printed and dyed Madaline® yields outstandingly high quality optical effects.
Cost EffectiveMadaline is multi-washable but retains its construction, performance and shape over a long lifetime. Treatments such as easy soil release during washing lowers detergent cost and especially, its inherent characteristic to dry quickly reduces energy consumption and saves time.
Environmentally FriendlyThe Madaline® production process is environmentally friendly, using recycled water, has negligible C02 emissions, and uses less energy than traditional textiles. Madaline® is performance oriented therefore less fabric is needed to achieve similar performance compared to traditional textiles.