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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

200+ Trainees Annually

In-person, online and custom training opportunities – TRL 4-7.

Workforce Development

300+ Industry Partners Annually

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

Fabrication and Testing

80+ Patents

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

Product Development

7 Products Incubated

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

Product Incubation

Student Spotlight:
Pallav Jani, Interaction Between Slip Additives and Hydrophilic Finishes in Nonwovens

Pallav Jani is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at NC State University. Pallav’s research focuses on the evaluation of interactions between slip additives and hydrophilic finishes in polypropylene nonwovens.

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Pallav Jani, The Nonwovens Institute

NWI Labs

TGA and DSC Systems in the NWI Analytical and Physical 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 & 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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Preparing Facemask for Testing in NWI Filtration Testing Lab

Filtration Testing

NWI has expanded its filtration testing capabilities to include services for facemasks and respirators, along with filter media for automotive, HEPA and HVAC applications, among others. Importantly, NWI’s Filtration Testing Lab is ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited.

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NWI Meltblown Pilot 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 & Hydroentanglement 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 Fiber 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 staple-fiber nonwovens.

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

NWI Industrial Advisory Board

Member Profile:
American Truetzschler Inc.

American Truetzschler Inc. has been a member of NWI since 2009 and is proud to have supported the Institute over the years including through the volunteer efforts of its employees in NWI Leadership roles.  Currently, Mr. Lothar Kaierle, Vice President of Sales for the Nonwovens Sector, at Truetzschler serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the Industrial Advisory Board (IAB).  The IAB provides membership oversight, program review and policy guidance to the Institute.  Trützschler equipment is essential to the operation of NWI’s staple fiber lab.

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Trützschler Logo

Upcoming TRAINING COURSES

All Events
Dec 05

Tuesday

Nonwoven Fabric Property Development and Characterization Short Course
Feb 06

Tuesday

Intermediate Nonwovens Short Course – February 2024
Mar 19

Tuesday

Spunbond Technology Short Course

Latest Headlines

All News
Mehmet Dasdemir, Ph.D., The Nonwovens Institute

December 01, 2023

Dr. Mehmet Dasdemir Appointed as Director of Product Development at NWI

NWI is pleased to announce Mehmet Dasdemir, Ph.D., as the Institute’s new Director of Product Development.
Thomas Broch, Fibertex Personal Care, Detlef Frey, Reifenhäuser REICOFIL, and Andreas Scope, MANN+HUMMEL

November 30, 2023

NWI Offers Appreciation to Outgoing IAB Executive Committee Members

Thomas Broch, Detlef Frey and Andreas Scope conclude their term of service as NWI Executive Committee members.
NWI's Fall 2023 IAB Award Winning Presenters

November 28, 2023

NWI Announces Outstanding Researcher Awards from Fall 2023 IAB Meeting

Recently, the IAB recognized several student researchers for their outstanding work at the Fall 2023 IAB meeting.

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