Development of nonwoven under pad using cotton and flax fiber blend

The increasing emphasis on sustainability has stimulated research into the utilization of natural fibrecomposites in medical applications. This project seeks to enhance absorbency, comfort, and biodegradability by developing a nonwoven under pad utilizing mixes of cotton and flax fibres, while preserving necessary functional performance. Flax fibres were chosen for their superior moisture retention, inherent antibacterial capabilities, and environmentally sustainable characteristics, and cotton offers softness and absorbency. Three blend ratios were formulated: sample 1 (60:40), sample 2 (50:50), and sample 3 (70:30) of cotton to flax. The fibres underwent regulated opening, carding, and web creation, subsequently followed by needle punching to create the nonwoven structure. The samples were assessed for base weight, thickness, absorbency, wicking behaviour, tensile strength, and biodegradability. The results indicated that cotton-flax blends provide superior mechanical strength, enhanced moisture management, and ecological advantages over synthetic under pads, underscoring their viability as sustainable alternatives.