SMS nonwoven fabric is a high-performance fabric made from a combination of Spunbond and Meltblown technologies. The acronym SMS stands for Spunbond-Meltblown-Spunbond, referring to the three-layer structure of this fabric. The outer layers are made using the spunbond process, while the middle layer is created using the meltblown process. This unique structure gives SMS fabric its excellent combination of strength, filtering ability, and liquid barrier properties, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Material Composition and Manufacturing Process

1. Material Composition:

   • SMS nonwoven fabric is typically made from polypropylene (PP), which is known for its durability, lightweight nature, and moisture resistance. Polypropylene fibers offer excellent chemical resistance, making SMS fabric ideal for environments where hygiene and contamination control are critical.

2. Manufacturing Process:

   • Spunbond Process: The outer layers of SMS fabric are produced using the spunbond process, where polypropylene is extruded into fine filaments and then laid onto a conveyor belt to form a nonwoven web. These filaments are mechanically bonded to provide the fabric with strength and structure.
   • Meltblown Process: The middle layer of SMS fabric is produced using the meltblown process, where molten polypropylene is extruded through a nozzle and blown by high-pressure air into fine fibers. These fibers are collected to form a denser, finer layer with excellent filtration properties.
   • The spunbond outer layers and the meltblown inner layer are bonded together using heat or pressure, creating a fabric with superior strength, softness, and barrier properties.

Key Features of SMS Nonwoven Fabric

1. Strength and Durability:

   • The spunbond layers give SMS fabric strength, while the meltblown middle layer contributes to filtration and absorbency. This combination results in a fabric that is both strong and lightweight, suitable for demanding applications.

2. Barrier Properties:

   • One of the most significant advantages of SMS fabric is its liquid barrier properties. The meltblown layer provides an effective barrier against liquids and particulate matter, making SMS fabric ideal for protective clothing, medical applications, and cleanroom environments.

3. Breathability:

   • Despite its barrier properties, SMS nonwoven fabric maintains a degree of breathability, which makes it comfortable for use in medical gowns, surgical drapes, and hygiene products.

4. Softness and Comfort:

   • The spunbond layers contribute to the fabric's softness, which makes it comfortable to wear for prolonged periods, especially in products that come into direct contact with the skin.

5. Filtration:

   • The meltblown middle layer in SMS fabric provides excellent filtration capabilities, making it suitable for face masks, respirators, and other personal protective equipment (PPE), as it can block dust, bacteria, and other contaminants.

6. Antistatic Properties:

   • SMS fabric can be produced with antistatic treatments, making it suitable for use in electronics manufacturing, cleanroom environments, and industrial applications where static control is necessary.

Applications of SMS Nonwoven Fabric

1. Medical and Healthcare:

   • Surgical Gowns and Drapes: The liquid barrier and filtration properties of SMS fabric make it ideal for surgical gowns, surgical drapes, and other medical protective wear.
   • Face Masks and Respirators: SMS fabric is widely used in the production of medical face masks, N95 respirators, and surgical masks due to its filtration efficiency and comfort.
   • Incontinence Products: SMS fabric is used in diapers, sanitary pads, and adult incontinence products for its absorbency, liquid barrier, and breathability.
   • Wound Care: The fabric's softness and liquid barrier properties make it suitable for wound care dressings and bandages.

2. Protective Clothing:

   • SMS nonwoven fabric is commonly used in protective clothing, such as coveralls, lab coats, and isolation gowns, providing both a protective barrier and comfort in industrial, healthcare, and cleanroom applications.

3. Cleanroom and Industrial Applications:

   • SMS fabric is utilized in cleanroom environments to prevent contamination. Its ability to block particles while allowing air to flow makes it ideal for cleanroom apparel, wipe materials, and cleanroom coveralls.

4. Packaging:

   • SMS fabric can be used in protective packaging for sensitive products that require both protection and hygienic conditions, such as pharmaceuticals and electronics.

5. Agriculture:

   • SMS fabric is used in crop covers and greenhouse liners to protect plants from pests, frost, and extreme weather, while allowing the plants to breathe.

Advantages of SMS Nonwoven Fabric

1. High Performance:

   • SMS nonwoven fabric offers the perfect combination of strength, liquid barrier properties, and filtration efficiency, making it a versatile material for a wide range of industries.

2. Comfort:

   • The fabric’s softness and breathability make it a preferred material for personal protective equipment (PPE) and other healthcare-related applications, where comfort is critical.

3. Customization:

   • SMS nonwoven fabric can be tailored for specific applications, with variations in thickness, softness, strength, and barrier properties to meet the particular requirements of different industries.

4. Cost-Effective:

   • With its cost-efficient production process, SMS nonwoven fabric offers excellent value while maintaining high performance in demanding applications.

5. Environmental Considerations:

   • SMS nonwoven fabric made from polypropylene is recyclable, which helps reduce environmental impact. Some manufacturers also offer biodegradable or eco-friendly alternatives.

Conclusion

SMS nonwoven fabric is a highly versatile material that provides an excellent balance of strength, filtration, liquid resistance, and comfort. With applications in medical, hygiene, protective wear, cleanrooms, and agriculture, SMS fabric is a critical component in industries that require both performance and reliability. At Shanghai Uneed Textile Co., Ltd., we offer top-quality SMS nonwoven fabrics, tailored to your specific needs, ensuring superior protection and comfort for a wide range of applications

   Founded in the year of 2014, Shanghai Uneed Textile Co.,Ltd (UNT) is one of the professional supplier of garment accessory and non woven fabric products in China.

   Our headquater and marketing center located in Shanghai, and we had set up eight production bases in Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang Province. We are special producing and selling various of Middle and high quality of fusible woven and non woven interlining, Shirt interlining, Hair interlining, Shoulder pads, Hotmelt adhensive web and film, Spunbond and Spunlace non woven fabric,etc. By virtue of the comprehensive advantage of interlining, non woven fabric, shoulder pads and hotmelt adhensive web , we are also committed to providing “One-Stop” garment accessory package service (like Chest cotton, Breast canvas,Sleeve head,Tape,Under collar felt,Waistband and Pocketing etc.) . Our company’s brand “UNT” had been well-known by many domestic and world famous clothing brand and traders, and gained good reputation in the world.

   All of our products have got OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certificate, Most of our products are exported to more than 30 countries and regions of Europe, America, Korea , Middle east and Southeast asia etc.

   As a quality supplier of garment accessories and nonwovens, We are basing in Shanghai,Facing the Nationwide, and taking the whole world in view. We pursue “ Quality and Service, Our Life and Future” as our business philosophy. We provide the best and shortcut “One-Stop” garment accessory package service for World famous clothing brand, We take "Gratitude, Respect, Integrity, Win-Win" as the value and “ Act perfect for 100-year-Enterprise, Creat the World’s famous brand” as Enterprise Vision. We always keep continuos innovation and pace with times to work together with our customers for a better future.