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The Nonwovens Institute
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Enabling Materials of the Future

Based at the Centennial Campus of North Carolina State University, The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) is a consortium of stakeholders spanning the breadth of the nonwovens value chain. Operating on an “Open Innovation” platform and covering the full Technology Readiness Level (TRL) range, NWI engages industry, government and academia to enable next-generation nonwoven solutions to mission-critical challenges.

300+ Alumni

Facilitating collaboration around fundamental research – TRL 1-3.

Knowledge Creation

100+ Companies Trained Annually

In-person, online and custom training opportunities – TRL 4-9.

Workforce Development

100+ Industry Partners Annually

World-class pilot and testing labs to support trials – TRL 3-6.

Fabrication and Testing

80+ Patents; Many Commercialized

Bringing new product ideas from concept to reality – TRL 4-7.

Problem Solving

7 Products Incubated

Scaling from the lab to commecialization – TRL 6-9.

Product Incubation

Upcoming TRAINING COURSES

All Events
Jan 28

Tuesday

Elementary Nonwovens Short Course – January 2025
Feb 04

Tuesday

Intermediate Nonwovens Short Course – February 2025
Mar 04

Tuesday

Spunbond Technology Short Course

Latest Headlines

All News
NWI Student Researchers Present Their Work

October 31, 2024

NWI Congratulates Its Student Researchers Who Are Preparing to Graduate In December

The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) would like to congratulate three of its student researchers, Büşra Özdemir, Anastasia Timofeeva and Jingwei Wu, who are preparing to graduate from their doctoral degree programs.…
Heather Pretorius, The Nonwovens Institute, Strategic Scientific Advisory Board

October 28, 2024

Heather Pretorius Elected to NWI Strategic Scientific Advisory Board

Ms. Heather Pretorius has been elected to the Strategic Scientific Advisory Board (SSAB) of The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) at North Carolina State University.  After receiving a bachelor’s degree in Textile…
Food Safety Training at The Nonwovens Institute

October 21, 2024

NWI Pursues Global Food Safety Certification

Continuing to build upon its strong culture of quality-based manufacturing practices, The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) recently participated in a GMP training focused on food safety. The training aligns with the…

Student Spotlight: Jingwei Wu, Adaptable-Intelligent Filter

Jingwei is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Illinois Chicago. Jingwei’s NWI research project is focused on developing a novel filter media via electrospinning of thermo-responsive or pH-responsive water-insoluble PNIPAM-based nanofiber media, webs and membranes.

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Jingwei Wu, The Nonwovens Institute, NC State University

NWI Labs

NWI Analytical and Physical Nonwovens Testing Lab

Analytical and Physical Testing

NWI’s Analytical and Physical Testing Lab is rooted in more than 20 years of work with rigorous test methods for fibers and fabrics in nonwoven applications. This deep expertise, combined with our state-of-the-art instruments, ensures precise and reliable results.

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NWI Fiber and Polymer Science Lab

Fiber and Polymer Science

Experts working in NWI’s Fiber and Polymer Science Lab specialize in the characterization of various polymers, biopolymers and additives for melt-spinning pilot research. This lab is ideal for engaging in proof-of-concept with a minimum of input material required.

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NWI Filtration Testing Lab

Filtration Testing

NWI has expanded its filtration testing capabilities to include services for a wide range of filter media, as well as the capability to perform ASTM F2299 testing for the measurement of Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE) at 0.1 microns.

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NWI Meltblown Nonwovens Lab

Meltblown

NWI’s Meltblown Pilot Lab features a 1.2-meter wide line with recently updated software and control systems. Along with NWI’s many years of experience in developing meltblown nonwoven applications, this lab provides the ability to test a wide range of polymers.

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NWI Spunbond and Hydroentangling Nonwovens Lab

Spunbond and Hydroentangling

NWI’s decades of experience in spunmelt nonwovens, in tandem with its Spunmelt and Hydroentangling Pilot Lab, provide you the opportunity to customize the web path to your specific application requirements, utilizing a variety of fiber and polymer options.

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NWI Staple Carded Nonwovens Lab

Staple Fiber

NWI’s Staple Nonwovens Pilot Lab is equipped with Trützschler feeding equipment and extensive opening systems for blending of various types of fibers and composite formations. This lab is supported by NWI’s deep expertise in carded nonwovens.

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“The Institute will continuously strive to be a global leader in research, education and outreach for the nonwovens and affiliated industries.” 

NWI Industrial Advisory Board

Member Profile:
Covation Biomaterials

Founded in 2022, in Newark, Delaware, USA, following the acquisition of DuPont Biomaterials by the Huafon Group based in Zhejiang, China, Covation Biomaterials has established itself as a global innovator, offering a portfolio of high-performance, sustainable material solutions. 

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