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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 partnership among 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:
Nishant Bhatta, Flow-less Coalescence Filtration Experiment

Nishant is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at NC State University. Nishant’s research project focuses on the use of centrifugal force to decouple the saturation profile from airflow in a partially wetted coalescing media to isolate the role of the nonwoven’s microstructure in promoting/preventing fluid transport.

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Nishant Bhatta, The Nonwovens Institute, NC State University

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 for our customers.

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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:
NatureWorks

NatureWorks has been a member of NWI since 2006 and is proud to have supported the Institute over the years, including through the volunteer efforts of its employees in NWI Leadership roles.  Early in the global COVID-19 pandemic, NatureWorks supplied their Ingeo PLA-based polymers that allowed NWI to economically meet the needs for face-mask filter media to serve the NCSU / Raleigh community. 

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Upcoming TRAINING COURSES

All Events
Oct 09

Monday

Filter Media Short Course
Oct 24

Tuesday

Intermediate Nonwovens Short Course – October 2023
Dec 05

Tuesday

Nonwoven Fabric Property Development and Characterization Short Course

Latest Headlines

All News
Announcing Celanese as NWI 'Full Member'

NWI Welcomes Celanese As a New ‘Full Member’

The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) is pleased to recognize Celanese Corporation for its decision to join more than 50 industry-leading organizations as a member of the Institute. Celanese Corporation is a… 
September 2023 Fiber and Filament Extrusion Fundamentals Short Course

NWI Dives Deep On Fiber and Filament Extrusion

NWI and INDA presented the popular Fiber and Filament Extrusion Fundamentals Short Course September 12-14 at NWI’s facilities on the Centennial Campus of NC State University. 
NWI Student Poster Presentations at RISE 2023

13 NWI Student Researchers to Present Posters at 2023 RISE® Conference

NWI student researchers will highlight their work at this year’s RISE® conference, September 26-27 on the campus of NC State University. 

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