7 Uses for Wool Felt: Nonwoven Wool ...
7 Uses for Wool Felt: Nonwoven Wool ...
7 Uses for Wool Felt: Nonwoven Wool Felt for Industrial Applications
Wool is a unique all-natural fiber with properties that surpass many synthetic options. Although 60% of all wool is used in the clothing industry, wool felt finds extensive use in various industrial applications. It is particularly acclaimed for thermal insulation, acoustical insulation, gasket materials, and even saddle pads.
A Snapshot of Wool's Evolution
Domesticating sheep started in Mesopotamia between 11,000 and 8,000 BC. Initially bred for meat, skin, and milk, sheep only began to be valued for their wool around 4000 BC.
As the wool trade flourished, sheep were transported from Asia to North Africa and Europe. They arrived in America with Christopher Columbus and later through the British Colonies to Virginia in the early 1600s.
Today, wool serves a diverse range of purposes, from apparel and carpets to industrial uses.
BIT is the largest manufacturer of industrial felt products in North America. We utilize needle-punching, a technical felting process, to produce our wool felt.
Needle-punching involves using a needle loom equipped with barbed needles to mechanically entangle loose fibers by moving them up and down.
Explore more about our needle-punching method in our detailed post Jiatong.
The Superior Characteristics of Wool Fiber
Wool’s longevity and durability outclass synthetic alternatives. Here's why:
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- Flame-resistant and non-melting. Wool needs more oxygen than the air provides to catch fire.
- Retains shape due to its natural crimp, providing elasticity, durability, and memory for shape.
- Water-repellent: wool can absorb significant amounts of water without feeling damp.
- Exceptional insulation against cold, heat, sound, and vibrations.
- Resilient against wear and tear.
- Anti-microbial; wool does not support mold growth.
- Regulates indoor environment by acting as a natural HVAC filter, purifying air and managing moisture.
- 100% natural, renewable, and sustainable. It decomposes naturally in soil, releasing nutrients back into the air.
Wool felt comes in various thicknesses, densities, and compositions. The SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) specifications define the most common wool felts, ensuring they meet high standards for durability and abrasion resistance.
Nonwoven wool felt is employed in 7 distinct markets.
Industrial Applications of Wool Felt
Green Roof and Agricultural Wool Felt
Wool’s ability to absorb up to 30% of its weight in water while still allowing permeability makes industrial nonwoven wool felt ideal for green roof applications.
A green roof, covered partly or entirely with vegetation growing over a waterproof layer, often uses nonwoven wool felt as a soil substitute. In challenging environments where using soil is impractical, needle-punched felt acts as a drainage medium, supporting water distribution and storage within the root zone.
Sealing Solutions with Felt Gaskets
A gasket is a mechanical seal used to prevent leakage under compression between joined objects. Gaskets are crucial across industries like manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, and automotive.
Wool’s fire-retardant properties provide thermal insulation in high-pressure environments. Simultaneously, it withstands continuous oil exposure while maintaining its shape.
Boot Liners and Essential Accessories
Whether for hiking boots, rain boots, or other footwear, boot liners offer extra protection against various weather conditions.
Nonwoven wool felt boot liners ensure warmth without overheating and resist moisture, offering comfort in diverse conditions. Unlike synthetic liners, wool is odor-resistant and will naturally conform to the foot shape over time.
The same advantages apply to fashion bags and totes, where nonwoven felt adds durability and protection against the elements.
Equestrian Products
Saddle pads serve as a buffer between the saddle and horse, crucial for both horse and rider. They provide shock absorption, enhance comfort, and improve saddle balance.
Nonwoven wool felt’s wicking abilities keep saddle pads clean and horses cool, enhancing comfort and hygiene for the rider.
Carpet Padding and Interior Insulation
While more expensive than traditional foam or synthetic padding, wool felt offers significant benefits as under-carpet padding.
Wool’s thermal insulation properties contribute to energy efficiency and occupant comfort. It also helps create a healthier indoor environment by absorbing odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Overall, nonwoven wool felt crucially improves comfort, design, and indoor environment safety.
Efficient Wool Felt Dryer Seals
Dryer seals ensure the proper functioning of clothes dryers by preventing clothes from falling into the space between the dryer drum and cabinet. They maintain interior heat and reduce the friction between metal parts.
Wool’s resilience, durability, and superior fire-retardant properties make it an ideal choice for dryer seals.
Interior Design: Acoustic Paneling and Decorative Felt
Acoustic treatments are essential for improving sound quality within a space by reducing reverb and echo. Acoustic panels include wall and floor coverings, hanging panels, baffles, desk dividers, and more.
Nonwoven wool felt offers a balance of design and acoustic benefits, such as texture and color, along with its natural sound dampening properties. These panels are cost-effective and lightweight, simplifying do-it-yourself installations.
Utilizing the advantages of wool, from virgin wool to recycled fibers, we customize wool felt and blends to meet your specific requirements. Being a leader in nonwoven technical felts in North America, we provide bespoke solutions from conception to completion.
Have questions or want to learn more about us? Contact us today.