Nonwoven fabrics made from nickel and stainless steel fibers

The ability to form metal fibers into fabrics of nondirectionalized fiber webs has led to improved materials in a variety of applications. The nonorientation of the fibers provides a three dimensional structure that is filled with materials such as nickel hydroxide, cadmium oxide and MH alloy used for battery applications or to act as a contaminate trap for filtration. Fibers made from nickel, stainless steel, iron, cobalt, monel and copper are all possibilities for use in nonwoven fabrics. The density, porosity and thickness are all controllable during the web formation process. Fiber diameter is also a critical consideration when specific pore sizes are targeted. Fiber diameters are controlled during the fiber formation process. Diameters as low as 6 microns in stainless steel and 9 microns in other alloys are possible. The author discusses fiber formation and preparation, web formation, and tailoring webs for applications.