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Textiles & Nonwovens

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Consumer demand is high and growing for textiles and nonwoven fabrics that have features like eye-catching prints, vibrant dyes, water resistance, and more. But, many textiles and nonwovens don’t take well to dyes, prints, and other treatments due to having low surface energy. When consumers see textiles with poor quality dyes or prints, or which don’t repel liquids as advertised, or otherwise don’t meet their expectations, they’ll pass you over for a better product.

With corona treatment for textiles and nonwovens, you can ensure your product meets customer expectations and avoid being passed over for another product. This process works by exposing the surface of the textile to a high voltage electrical discharge. This discharge ionizes the air around the material and creates the “corona discharge” that gives the process its name. The corona discharge interacts with the material on a molecular level, creating invisible changes that massively increase the ability of inks and other coatings to adhere to the fabric. 

The benefits of corona treatment for textiles and nonwovens include:

  • Improved wettability and adhesion properties of the surface.
  • Improved adhesion of coatings, laminates, and adhesives to the surface of the material.
  • Improved printability, making it easier to print on the surface of the material.
  • Enhanced dyeability, leading to more vibrant and durable colors.
  • Improved water and oil repellency, making the material more resistant to liquids.
  • Improved surface cleanliness, which reduces the risk of contamination and other issues that can impact product quality.

Corona treatment can be used on a wide range of textile and nonwoven materials, including synthetic fibers, natural fibers, and blends of these materials. The treatment is commonly used in the production of a wide range of products, including apparel, home textiles, and nonwoven products such as disposable medical garments and hygiene products.

Examples of fabrics and materials that benefit from corona treatment include:

Nonwovens Wovens
  • Air-laid
  • Bio-component
  • Cellulosic
  • Meltblown
  • Nano-fiber
  • Nylon
  • Polyester
  • Polypropylene
  • Spunbond
  • Spunbond/film
  • Spunbond/meltblown
  • Wet laid/glass tissue fiberglass
  • Carbon fiber
  • Cotton
  • Crepe
  • Glass cloth
  • Linen
  • Satin
  • Scrim
  • Silk
  • Wool

Mircofibers

If you’re interested in more information about corona treatment stations from Pillar Technologies, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our team will work with you to determine the best corona treatment configuration for your needs.

FAQs About Surface Treatment for Textiles and Nonwovens

What are the benefits of treating nonwovens and textiles before printing or coating?

Surface treatment helps:

  • Improve ink and dye adhesion for high-quality graphics
  • Increase bond strength for laminating or adhesive applications
  • Enhance wettability and uniformity for liquid-applied coatings
  • Minimize defects like spotting, streaking, or poor coverage

Treatment leads to stronger, more reliable results across a wide range of functional and decorative processes.

Can surface treatment help with softness or hand feel?

Yes. While surface treatment primarily targets adhesion and bonding, it can also be configured to maintain or enhance specific tactile properties. The treatment does not alter the fiber structure, so softness, flexibility, and breathability remain intact when treatment is controlled correctly.

Is corona treatment safe for delicate or breathable materials?

Yes, when properly configured. Pillar Technologies offers systems with precise power control and customizable electrode designs to handle low-density or breathable substrates without damaging the material or compromising performance.

Can surface treatment be used in hygiene or medical nonwoven applications?

Yes. Surface treatment enhances the bonding and coating performance of materials used in products such as surgical drapes, gowns, wound dressings, and filtration layers. It supports higher-quality manufacturing while maintaining compatibility with industry standards for safety and hygiene.

Can corona or plasma treatment be integrated into existing textile processing lines?

Yes. Pillar Technologies offers modular systems that can be adapted to your existing line setup with minimal interruption. Whether you're working with rolls, sheets, or continuous webs, our team can help you implement a surface treatment solution that fits your production requirements.