Nonwovens Glossary - INDA

Hh
Hammermill
A device used to defiberize cellulose pulp, generally available in roll goods form, to
individual fibers (fluff pulp) by using high speed, rotating hammers.
Hand
Qualities of a fabric perceived by touch, e.g., softness, firmness, stretch, resilience and drape.
Heat resistance
The ability to resist degradation at high temperatures. The retention of useful properties when
measured during heat exposure.
Heat setting
Process by which fibers, yarns or fabrics are heated to a final crimp or molecular
configuration so as to minimize changes in shape during use.
Heat stabilized
The ability of a yarn or fabric to resist shrinking or stretching under mechanical or chemical
stress. This property is obtained by prior heat-treatment or by use of a chemical additive.
HEPA filter
The acronym for High Efficiency Particulate Air. These filters are designed for filtering
gases, normally air, to an efficiency of 99.97% by trapping particles down to 0.3 microns in
the DOP test.
Highloft
General term for low density, thick or bulky fabrics, as compared to flat, paper-like fabrics. It
is characterized by a high ratio of thickness to weight per unit area. Highloft battings have no
more than 10% solids by volume and are greater than 3 mm (0.13 inch) in thickness.
Holes
Small perforations or openings of varying sizes in a fabric.
Hollow filament fibers
Manmade, continuous filament fibers, with voids created by introduction of air or other gas
in the polymer solution or by melt spinning through specially designed spinnerets.
Hot-melt adhesive
A solid material that melts quickly upon heating, then sets to a firm bond upon cooling. Used
for almost instantaneous bonding.
28 Nonwovens Glossary