Loft is measured as thickness under a light set pressure and as recovery after a heavier load is applied and removed. High-loft fabrics trap air for insulation, cushion and liquid handling, which is why acquisition layers and fiberfill are judged on it. Crimp, fiber stiffness, through-air bonding and winding tension all affect it, and tightly wound rolls can lose loft in storage.
Loft only recovers 80 percent after the compression test, so loosen the winder tension on the ADL.
Also heard as
- bulk
Related terms
Highloft
Low-density, thick nonwoven made for bulk and trapped air rather than strength, such as fiberfill and padding.
Through-air bonding
Thermal bonding that pulls hot air through the web so binder fibers fuse without the web being crushed.
ADL
Acquisition distribution layer: the lofty layer under a diaper topsheet that takes in liquid and spreads it to the core.
Crimp
The waviness built into staple fibers so they cling together during opening and carding.