Press felts coated with electrospun nanofibres

Press felt specimens were coated with nanofibres using the electrospinning process. The coating weight of the nanofibre layer and the spinning distance were varied in order to study the homogeneity and coverage of the nanofibre web. The specimens were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser profilometry to understand how the nanofibre web attaches to the press felt, and how nanofibres improve the surface smoothness. The surface pore size, thickness, weight per unit area and air permeability of the specimens were measured. The surface smoothness improved and the air permeability decreased slightly. The adhesion of the nanofibre web to the press felt and the mechanical strength of the nanofibre web were poor. The study showed, however, that the combination of electrospinning and felt structures has the potential to enhance press felt performance.