The present invention generally relates to nonwovens composites.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a nonwoven web and a process of preparing the same. Further, the nonwoven web is light weight and possesses enhanced tensile strength.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[0002] A composite is made from more than one constituent materials.
Nonwoven composites or fabrics are those composites or fabrics in which more than two constituent materials are neither woven nor knitted. In other words, these nonwoven composites or fabrics are not made by weaving or knitting and do not require converting the fibers to yarn. In particular, the nonwoven composites or fabrics are produced by depositing fibers to form a sheet or web structures bonded together by entangling fiber or filaments in the sheet by various different methods such as, mechanical bonding, thermal bonding, chemical bonding, or the like. The nonwoven composites or fabrics may comprise natural fibers, synthetic fibers, continuous fibers, staple fibers, bi-component and multi-component fibers. The natural fibers may include wood pulp, cotton, linen, seed fiber, stalk fiber, leaf fiber, bast fiber, fruit fiber, cellulose, or the like.
[0003] The formation of the nonwoven fabrics by airlaid technology is
known in the art. The airlaid technology includes dry processes in which the fibers are transferred to an air stream after an opening process and are thereafter, deposited on a screen surface. Mainly cellulose fibers have been used in airlaid processes, which contain small amounts of other fibers also, such as viscose fibers. The use of viscose fibers in particular in higher proportions creates a problem that the throughput that can be achieved in conventional airlaid processes is considerably lower than while using the
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cellulose fibers alone. Throughput refers to the weight of fibers delivered to transport air stream in one unit of time. This also leads to large deviations in target basis weight, and thus to a low quality of resulting nonwovens.
[0004] Various production methods for dry-formed airlaid materials are
disclosed in the art such as, nonwoven composites or fabrics manufactured by using needle punch, melt-blown and spun-bond techniques. Some of the conventional methods include dry-formed airlaid materials based on dry-laid cellulosic fibers with a suitable binding, such as, gluing by means of binder fibers. In such methods, laying of the fibers for the formation of a web is usually effected by de-fibering and introducing cellulosic material in an airstream which conveys loose fibers to a former head above a running perforated former wire, under which is located a suction box for sucking the fibers down against the wire where they are continuously deposited as a coherent gauze with a desired web thickness. Such products are also known as airlaid nonwovens. Such products are typically utilised as liquid-absorbing sheets. Also, some of the conventional methods produces fiber web which utilizes super absorbing fibers which can freely expand during absorption of liquid as opposed to a product with a high percentage of binder fibers, where the latter due to their network reduce utilization of the super absorbing fibers because of their reduced expansion possibility.
[0005] There are a number of problems associated with the conventional
nonwoven products. Such conventional nonwoven products tend to fall apart if exposed to larger amounts of liquid. Also, such conventional nonwovens possess low strength which thereby tends to break or tear easily after single time usage due to the presence of short fibers and lower mechanical bonding between fibers. Accordingly, in such nonwovens needling with woven scrims is very common for better strength however, that involves two stages: to weave scrims in the first stage and to needlepunch in the second stage. In other words, the woven fabric is used as backing material for support which is needlepunched thus, producing a nonwoven fabric which has a woven fabric either sandwiched or provided as the backing support or coating on either of the sides. The
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involvement of two stages makes the conventional nonwoven fabric expensive. Further, the conventional wet-laid processes involve plenty of water to prepare the nonwoven composites or fabrics. Furthermore, the nonwoven fabrics obtained by the conventional needle punch method may sometimes include broken needles in the fabric thus produced due to the breakage of needles while manufacturing. Additionally, the conventional nonwoven fabrics are not reusable which increases the environmental pollution and are expensive to manufacture.
[0006] In view of the above limitations of the conventional approaches,
nonwoven fabrics and methods, there exists a need to develop an improved approach, nonwoven web and method which would in turn address a variety of issues including, but not limited to, usage of large amount of water for manufacturing the nonwoven fabrics and usage of any chemicals thus, avoiding the risk of mishaps caused by usage of hazardous chemicals. Further, there is a need to provide a nonwoven web which possesses enhanced tensile strength without the usage of any chemical coatings or backing support of woven fabric and thus, does not break or tear easily. Moreover, it is desired to develop lightweight and comfortable nonwoven web which is reusable, inexpensive, can be produced at a greater rate in lesser time and thus, economical.
[0007] Thus, the above-described deficiencies of conventional
approaches, nonwoven fabrics and methods thereof, are merely intended to provide an overview of some of the problems of conventional approaches and are not intended to be exhaustive. Other problems with conventional approaches, nonwoven fabrics and methods and their corresponding benefits of the various non-limiting embodiments described herein may become further apparent upon review of the following description.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0008] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention to
provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an
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extensive overview of the present invention. It is not intended to identify the key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concept of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of the invention presented later.
[0009] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a
nonwoven web which has high tensile strength and low elongation thus, making the nonwoven web useful in variety of applications.
[0010] It is another object of the present invention to provide a nonwoven
web which limits the usage of large amount of water for manufacturing the nonwoven web.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a nonwoven
web which possesses enhanced tensile strength without the usage of any chemical coatings or backing support of woven fabric and thus, does not break or tear easily.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide a nonwoven
web which limits the usage of any chemicals thus, avoids the risk of mishaps caused by usage of hazardous chemicals.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide a nonwoven
web which is lightweight and comfortable nonwoven web which can be reused.
[0014] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a
nonwoven web which is inexpensive, and can be produced at a greater rate in lesser time and thus, economical.
[0015] Accordingly, in an aspect, the present invention provides a
nonwoven web comprising a first plurality of fibers and a matrix made up of a second
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plurality of fibers. The first plurality of fibers is made up of continuous filaments and the matrix of the second plurality of fibers comprises plurality of staple fibers bonded with each other. The first plurality of fibers are embedded within the matrix of the second plurality of fibers in a discontinuous fashion.
[0016] Accordingly, in another aspect, the present invention provides a
process of preparing a nonwoven web.
[0017] Other aspects, advantages, and salient features of the invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, details the invention in different embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
[0018] While the specification concludes with claims that particularly
point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed that the advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description of expressly disclosed exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings and detailed description which follow are intended to be merely illustrative of the expressly disclosed exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. In the drawings:
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a nonwoven web in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the nonwoven web in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
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[0021] FIGs 3(a) and 3(b) illustrates a pictorial image of the nonwoven
web showing a front side and a back side, respectively in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
CALL OUT LIST
1000 Nonwoven web
200 first plurality of fibers 400 matrix
410 second plurality of fibers
[0022] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative
purposes are subject to many variations in the structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a particular nonwoven web as shown and described herein. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0023] The use of terms "including," "comprising," or "having" and
variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
[0024] Further, the terms, "an" and "a" herein do not denote a limitation
of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
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[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, the invention will now be described in more
detail. A nonwoven web (1000), as shown in FIG. 1, comprises a first plurality of fibers (200) and a matrix (400) made up of a second plurality of fibers (410). The nonwoven web (1000) refers to a sheet or web structures having entangling fibers or filaments, which are neither woven nor knitted. The nonwoven webs include, but are not limited to, meltblown webs, spunbond webs, bonded carded webs, airlaid webs, hydraulically entangled webs, and the like. The nonwoven web is the nonwoven fabric.
[0026] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
first plurality of fibers (200) are made up of continuous filaments. The first plurality of fibers (200) comprises warp threads or yarns. The warp threads or yarns refer to lengthwise or longitudinal yarns or threads which are held stationary in tension on a frame or loom. In other words, the warp threads or yarns are threads or yarns which run along the length of a fabric. Further, the first plurality of fibers (200) are selected from a group consisting of, but not limited to, filamentous yarn, composite yarn, spun yarn, or combination yarn.
[0027] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
first plurality of fibers (200) comprises of natural or synthetic fibers. The natural fibers include, but not limited to, cotton, wool or the like. Further, the synthetic fibers include, but not limited to, high performance polyethylene (HPPE) fibers, polyamide, rayon, cellulose based fibers or the like. Further, the high strength filaments such as, but not limited to, glass fibers, aramid, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMPE) or the like are also used as the first plurality of fibers (200). Preferably, the first plurality of fibers (200) are selected from a group consisting of, but not limited to, aramid, polyamide, high performance polyethylene (HPPE) fibers, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMPE), or glass fibers. The first plurality of fibers (200) are further reinforced with multifilament materials selected from a group consisting of, but not limited to, e-glass, basalt, stainless steel, or tungsten.
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[0028] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
matrix (400) which is made up of the second plurality of fibers (410) comprises plurality of staple fibers or short fibers bonded with each other. Staple fibers refer to fibers having a limited finite length. The second plurality of fibers (410) are selected from, but not limited to, a group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, aramid, basalt, or glass fibers. Further, the second plurality of fibers (410) comprises the low-melt fibers. Furthermore, the second plurality of fibers (410) are randomly placed in the matrix (400).
[0029] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded within the matrix (400) of the second plurality of fibers (410) in a discontinuous fashion. The first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded across the length of the matrix (400). The first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded within the matrix (400) of second plurality of fibers (410) in a longitudinal direction, as shown in FIG. 2. In particular, the first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded within the matrix (400) of second plurality of fibers (410) such that optimized number of the first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded per inch of the matrix (400) of the second plurality of fibers (410) to enhance the tensile strength of the nonwoven web (1000).
[0030] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,
the first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded within, and on either one or both the surfaces of the matrix (400) of second plurality of fibers (410) in a longitudinal direction. In other words, the first plurality of fibers (200) are deposited or arranged in a longitudinal direction within the matrix (400) and on either or both surfaces of the nonwoven web (1000) being produced.
[0031] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
first plurality of fibers (200) across the length of the matrix (400) is maintained in such a way that there is a balance in terms of the number of warping threads per inch of the nonwoven web (1000) in order to secure high tensile strength in the longitudinal direction of nonwoven web (1000). For example, if the number of warping threads per inch of the
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nonwoven web (1000) is more, then the reinforcement of the nonwoven web (1000) improves and hence, the tensile strength improves. In other words, with the reinforcement of warping thread in the nonwoven web (1000), the tensile strength increases. In particular, the nonwoven web (1000) achieves the increased tensile strength in a single step as compared to the conventional nonwoven fabrics which requires multiple steps.
[0032] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
nonwoven web (1000) may be shaped into various articles including, but not limited to, face mask, hospital gowns, absorbent wipes, shoe covers, or protective textile like gloves, caps, sleeves or the like.
[0033] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,
the nonwoven web (1000) is provided which comprises a first plurality of fibers (200) made up of continuous filaments, and plurality of matrices (400) which are combined with each other. Each of these matrices (400) are made up of a second plurality of fibers (410) which comprises a plurality of staple fibers bonded with each other. The first plurality of fibers (200) comprises warp threads or yarns. The first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded within each of these matrices (400) of the second plurality of fibers (410) in a discontinuous fashion. More specifically, the first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded within the matrix (400) of the second plurality of fibers (410) in a longitudinal direction. In accordance with another embodiment, the first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded within and on either one or both of the surfaces of the matrix (400) of second plurality of fibers (410) in a longitudinal direction. In particular, the first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded within said matrix (400) of second plurality of fibers (410) such that optimized number of the first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded per inch of the matrix (400) of the second plurality of fibers (410) for maintaining the high tensile strength.
[0034] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention,
the plurality of matrices (400) embedded with the first plurality of fibers (200) are
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stacked together such that each of the matrices (400) is at an angle of 90 degrees with each other. Thus nonwoven web (1000) thus produced is multi-layered. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the nonwoven web (1000) thus produced may be cut in various sheets and these various sheet may be combined together to form a multilayer nonwoven web or sheet which has higher tensile strength in all directions. In other words, the nonwoven web (1000) is cut and the various sheets thus produced are arranged together in such a manner that one of the sheets is placed in a longitudinal direction, and the other sheet is placed in transverse direction such that each of the sheets or the nonwoven web (1000) is at an angle of 90 degrees with each other. Thus, the multilayer nonwoven web or sheet thereby obtained has high tensile strength in all directions which prevents the fibers and the nonwoven web (1000) from breakage.
[0035] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
nonwoven web (1000) may also be customized in terms of, but not limited to, thickness, density or the like, as per the requirement or depending on the usage of the nonwoven web (1000).
[0036] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a
process of preparing the nonwoven web (1000) is provided. At first step of the method, the first plurality of fibers (200) which are made up of continuous filaments are provided. The first plurality of fibers (200) comprises warp threads or yarns.
[0037] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, at
second step of the method, the first plurality of fibers (200) are integrated with the second plurality of fibers (410) which thereby forms the matrix (400) of the second plurality of fibers (410) with the first plurality of fibers (200) embedded within the matrix (400) in a discontinuous fashion. The second plurality of fibers (410) comprises plurality of staple fibers which are bonded with each other. In particular, the first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded within the matrix (400) of second plurality of fibers (410) in a longitudinal direction. In another embodiment of the present invention, the first plurality of fibers
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(200) are embedded within and on either one or both the surfaces of the matrix (400) of second plurality of fibers (410) in a longitudinal direction.
[0038] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
nonwoven web (1000) may be produced by using the various processes such as, but not limited to, needle punching, airlaid, chemical bonding, thermal bonding, spun laid, stitch bonding or the like. Preferably, carding, airlaid, and needle punching processes are used for producing the nonwoven web (1000). For example, the nonwoven web (1000) prepared using the airlaid process involves warping threads and staple fibers which are mixed with air to form a uniform web with warping threads embedded therein, that is deposited on a moving perforated wire mesh belt. Further, a vacuum is created below wire mesh belt which compacts the web which is thermally bonded by way of heat treatment. For example, during the thermal bonding, the low melt components or fibers such as, bi-component or polypropylene are mixed with other fibers during web formation. This process results in the airlaid nonwoven web which possess high tensile strength in the longitudinal direction.
[0039] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
nonwoven web (1000) is further coated with chemicals, or resins such as latex to obtain a composite nonwoven web. In other words, the nonwoven web is passed through the chemical or resin solution such as latex solution or through knife coating machine to achieve liquid or vapour repellency.
[0040] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
nonwoven web (1000) is reusable. Further, short fibers such as wood pulp may be used to make highly absorbent wipes from the nonwoven web. Also, superabsorbent or odour control or any other functional chemicals may be incorporated during the nonwoven web (1000) formation. In case of cellulosic fibers, hydrogen bonding may also be used which eliminates the use of any synthetic binders during the nonwoven web (1000) formation.
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EXAMPLES
The following examples are intended as illustrative and non-limiting and represent specific embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0041] Example 1: The nonwoven web, as shown in FIG. 3(a) and 3(b), is
prepared using warping composite yarn (HPPE/steel wire) with 44 TEX in longitudinal direction. This nonwoven web comprises low melt fibers that are blended with p-aramid or modacrylic to create the 250 gsm nonwoven web sample.
[0042] Example 2: Three samples were prepared which were 5 cm wide
and 20 cm in length. Sample 1 was the standard nonwoven of 250 gsm manufactured using p-aramid/modacrylic blended in ratio of 60/40. This sample was manufactured by using carding, and needle punching processes. Sample 2 was same as above sample 1 with 2 ends of warping thread - 360 denier (UHMWPE/30 micron stainless steel wire/polyester) in middle of nonwoven sample showing higher tensile strength in longitudinal direction and lower elongation percentage as compared to sample 1. Sample 3 was also same as above sample 1 with 4 ends of warping thread - 360 denier (UHMWPE/30 micron/polyester) in middle of nonwoven sample showing higher tensile strength in longitudinal direction and lower elongation percentage as compared to the sample 1. These results are provided below in Table 1. The low elongation and high tensile strength in samples 2 and 3 shows that these nonwoven samples are stronger than the conventional nonwoven samples without any warping thread embedded therein. Further, higher tensile and lower elongation is very important especially when composites are manufactured after resin impregnation of nonwoven textiles.
TABLE 1: Tensile strength of various samples

S.No. TENSILE STRENGTH (gF) ELONGATION (%)
1. 3945 102.50
2. 6655 15.50
3. 15510 24.00
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[0043] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
nonwoven web (1000) may be potentially used in the field of manufacturing industry, agricultural industry, pharmaceutical industry, medical and healthcare industry, food industry or the like. For example, nonwoven web (1000) may be used for high temperature insulation mats using short polycrystalline fibres as web and glass filaments as warping threads; as a light weight fabric for face mask or hospital gowns using polyester as warping thread and polyester as web; as an antistatic fabric using polyester as web and antistatic filaments as warping threads; as a light weight fabric for sound insulation using glass as web and glass filaments as warping thread; or as a light weight inherent flame retardant fabrics for protective textiles using aramid filaments as warping thread and aramid short fibres as web; or the like.
[0044] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the
nonwoven web (1000) may be used in composites, automotive industry such as in car bumpers, and resin impregnated textile which is flexible and cut-resistant, low elongation in one direction and high strength in one direction.
[0045] Apart from what is disclosed above, the present invention also
includes some additional benefits and advantages. Few of the additional benefits are mentioned below:
• The present invention provides the nonwoven web which has high tensile strength and low elongation thus, can be potentially used in manufacturing composites after resin impregnation.
• The nonwoven web provides high tensile strength in all directions when combined with multiple nonwoven webs and thus, prevents breakage of fibers.
• The nonwoven web is economical, reusable and can be produced at a greater rate in lesser amount of time.
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[0046] The foregoing descriptions of exemplary embodiments of the
present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions, substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

We Claim:
1. A nonwoven web (1000), comprising:
a first plurality of fibers (200) made up of continuous filaments; and
a matrix (400) made up of a second plurality of fibers (410), said matrix
(400) of said second plurality of fibers (410) comprises plurality of staple fibers
bonded with each other;
wherein said first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded within said matrix
(400) of said second plurality of fibers (410) in a discontinuous fashion.
2. The nonwoven web (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first plurality of fibers (200) comprises warp threads or yarns.
3. The nonwoven web (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded within said matrix (400) of second plurality of fibers (410) in a longitudinal direction.
4. The nonwoven web (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded within, and on either one or both surfaces of said matrix (400) of second plurality of fibers (410) in a longitudinal direction.
5. The nonwoven web (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded within said matrix (400) of second plurality of fibers (410) such that optimized number of said first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded per inch of said matrix (400) of said second plurality of fibers (410).
6. The nonwoven web (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first plurality of fibers (200) are selected from a group consisting of filamentous yarn, composite yarn, spun yarn, or combination yarn.
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7. The nonwoven web (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first plurality of fibers (200) are selected from a group consisting of aramid, polyamide, high performance polyethylene (HPPE) fibers, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMPE), or glass fibers.
8. The nonwoven web (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first plurality of fibers (200) are further reinforced with multifilament materials selected from a group consisting of e-glass, basalt, stainless steel, or tungsten.
9. The nonwoven web (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second plurality of fibers (410) are selected from a group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, aramid, basalt, or glass fibers.
10. The nonwoven web (1000) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded across the length of said matrix (400).
11. A nonwoven web (1000), comprising:
a first plurality of fibers (200) made up of continuous filaments; and
a plurality of matrices (400) combined with each other and made up of a
second plurality of fibers (410), each of said matrices (400) of said second
plurality of fibers (410) comprises a plurality of staple fibers bonded with each
other;
wherein said first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded within each of
said matrices (400) of second plurality of fibers (410) in a discontinuous fashion.
12. The nonwoven web (1000) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said first
plurality of fibers (200) comprises warp threads or yarns.
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13. The nonwoven web (1000) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded within said matrix (400) of second plurality of fibers (410) in a longitudinal direction.
14. The nonwoven web (1000) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded within, and on either one or both surfaces of said matrix (400) of second plurality of fibers (410) in a longitudinal direction.
15. The nonwoven web (1000) as claimed in claim 11, wherein said first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded within said matrix (400) of second plurality of fibers (410) such that optimized number of said first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded per inch of said matrix (400) of said second plurality of fibers (410).
16. The nonwoven web (1000) as claimed in claim 11, wherein a plurality of matrices (400) embedded with said first plurality of fibers (200) are stacked together such that each of said matrices (400) is at an angle of 90 degrees with each other.
17. A process of preparing a nonwoven web (1000), comprising the steps of:
providing a first plurality of fibers (200) made up of continuous filaments;
and
integrating said first plurality of fibers (200) with a second plurality of fibers (410) thereby forming a matrix (400) of said second plurality of fibers (410) with said first plurality of fibers (200) embedded within said matrix (400) in a discontinuous fashion;
wherein said second plurality of fibers (410) comprises plurality of staple fibers bonded with each other.
18. The process as claimed in claim 17, wherein said first plurality of fibers
(200) comprises warp threads or yarns.
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19. The process as claimed in claim 17, wherein said first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded within said matrix (400) of second plurality of fibers (410) in a longitudinal direction.
20. The process as claimed in claim 17, wherein said first plurality of fibers (200) are embedded within, and on either one or both surfaces of said matrix (400) of second plurality of fibers (410) in a longitudinal direction.