Abstract
An isotropic fiber web was manufactured with a sheet forming machine using split type micro-fibers. This fiber web was interlaced through a water jet process to bind the constituent fibers. The process variables that affect the physical properties of this nonwoven fabrics were controlled. The optimal processing conditions for the wet-laid, spun-laced suede were as follows: fiber length be 5 mm, type of dispersing agent be nonionic surfactant, and concentration of the dispersing agent be 0.3 g/l. The fiber damages, surface characteristics, and the mechanical properties measured by KES-F system were compared with exiting suede fabrics made by carding and needle punching. The results showed that the surface properties and the directional properties of these new type suedes are superior to those made by conventional methods.