Prediction of the water absorption capacity of VIS/PES needle-punched webs using genetic algorithms

Abstract

Needle-punched webs for wet cleaning wipes were produced using a dry-laid method of web- forming. Fibrous webs with a different content of hydrophilic viscose and hydrophobic polyester fibers, as well as webs made from 100 % polyester fibers, were utilized during this study. The webs were compared in terms of their water absorption capacity on the basis of their basic construction parameters, such as fiber fineness, raw material (e.g. fiber density), and web density. The higher water absorption capacity of the viscose/polyester-blended needle-punched webs was achieved at higher content of viscose fibers which coincide with the higher fiber density, finer fibers, and lower web density. A prediction model regarding water absorption capacity of viscose/polyester needle-punched webs was developed on the basis of the mentioned construction parameters and a non-deterministic modelling method, e.g. genetic algorithms, and could provide a guideline for the engineering of nonwoven webs in order to fit the desired water absorption capacity.