Among durable nonwoven fabrics, spunlace and spunbond differ in several key aspects. For instance, spunbond fabric has a stiffer and more structured form, whereas spunlace is notably soft, flexible, and drapable. These characteristics directly influence the fabric’s end-use suitability and performance in different applications.

By understanding the properties and distinctions of both fabric types, you can choose the right nonwoven for your process and product requirements. Let’s take a closer look at these differences.

Differences Between Spunlace and Spunbond

Spunlace fabric is produced by staple fibers using high-pressure water jets, creating a strong web structure without the use of binders. Spunbond, on the other hand, is formed by extruding thermoplastic polymers into fine continuous filaments that are then laid and bonded by heat.

This production difference gives spunbond fabrics durability and dimensional stability, while spunlace fabrics stand out for their softness, flexibility, and breathability. Below is a detailed breakdown of each production method and characteristic.

Production Method

In spunlace production, staple fibers are laid into a web, which is then treated with high-pressure water jets applied at controlled angles. In this process, the fibers are mechanically entangled exclusively at a 90-degree angle to the web surface, rather than from multiple directional angles. This vertical hydroentanglement interlocks the fibers without the use of chemical binders or thermal bonding, resulting in a soft, flexible, and highly breathable nonwoven fabric.

Spunbond production, in contrast, is entirely based on thermal bonding technology. Thermoplastic polymers such as polypropylene (PP) are melted and extruded through spinnerets to form continuous filaments. These filaments are randomly laid into a web and then bonded together by hot surface or hot air before being cooled and stabilized. The result is a fabric with high tensile strength, dimensional stability, and long-term durability.

Key Characteristics

  • Both fabrics have distinct performance features due to their manufacturing methods.
  • Main characteristics of spunlace fabric:
  • High absorbency, making it ideal for hygiene applications
  • Breathable and comfortable structure
  • Excellent resistance to stretching and deformation

Main characteristics of spunbond fabric:

  • High tear and tensile strength
  • Effective barrier against liquids and particulates
  • Lightweight structure suitable for low-weight applications
  • Wide range of end uses across various industries

As seen above, spunbond fabric, with its lightweight yet durable nature, is indispensable in industrial, agricultural, and medical applications that demand strength and longevity. Spunlace fabric, on the other hand, is preferred in comfort and hygiene-oriented products thanks to its soft feel, breathability, and absorbency.

Let’s now take a closer look at their end-use applications.

Application Areas

Both fabrics stand out for their suitability in various industries.

Spunlace fabric, with its soft and absorbent properties, is widely used in:

  • Hygiene products
  • Medical applications
  • Personal care items

The water-jet entangled fiber structure creates a strong yet skin-friendly surface, making it ideal for wet wipes, disposable towels, surgical gowns, masks, and medical drapes. Due to its high absorbency, it is also used in cleaning wipes and disposable textiles.

For spunlace solutions and related products, you can visit the Spunlace Product Page to explore Mogul’s offerings.

Spunbond fabric, with its thermally bonded, lightweight and durable structure, stands out in:

  • Industrial manufacturing
  • Agriculture
  • Construction
  • Hygiene-Medical
  • Packaging sectors

Thanks to its high tensile and tear strength and liquid barrier properties, spunbond is used in protective garments, cable wrappings, adhesive tapes, insulation materials, flooring, and crop covers.

To explore fabric solutions suitable for such applications, you can review Mogul’s Spunbond product range.

In summary, both fabrics are widely used nonwoven materials, each excelling in its own domain.

By assessing the specific needs of your industry, you can determine which nonwoven type- spunbond or spunlace- best fits your requirements. For all your nonwoven fabric inquiries, you can contact Mogul, one of Türkiye’s leading nonwoven manufacturers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Spunlace Fabric Used For?

Spunlace fabric is known for its soft texture and high absorbency. It is widely used in hygiene, medical, and cleaning applications. Produced through high-pressure water-jet entanglement, it offers a durable and skin-friendly surface. Therefore, it is preferred in wet wipes, disposable towels, medical gowns, masks, cleaning wipes, and personal care products.

What Is Spunbond Fabric Used For?

Spunbond fabric is recognized for its durability, light weight, and liquid repellency. Manufactured through thermal bonding of thermoplastic polymers, it is ideal for applications requiring high mechanical strength. Typical uses include agricultural covers, protective clothing, insulation materials, packaging, medical products, and flooring applications.

Which Is Better: Spunbond or Spunlace Fabric?

The key differences arise from their distinct manufacturing processes, which define their performance characteristics. Spunbond offers mechanical strength, tear resistance, and barrier protection, while spunlace excels in comfort, flexibility, and absorbency.

Therefore, spunbond is ideal for protective textiles, flooring, and construction materials, whereas spunlace is preferred in wet wipes, medical fabrics, hygiene products, and disposable textiles.