The physical and chemical structure of neps from two nonwoven fabrics, a 50-50 blend of two polyester fibers and a 75-25 blend of rayon and polypropylene, were studied by scanning electron microscopy and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The neps in both fabrics are distinct from the fabric itself and are encased in two fabric layers. Some neps contain a fiber blend similar to the unnepped fabric, while others contain a significant quantity of binder. Identification of nep composition may be useful in determining the causes of their formation and the means to reduce their occurrence.
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