초록

A nonwoven, metal fabric is formed by providing a mass of loose fibers with sufficient lubricating oil for them to be carded without disintegration of the fiber web. The fiber web is then lapped and needled to form a metal fabric of superior strength, density, and thermal insulation properties.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of making a nonwoven metal fabric comprising the steps of:providing a mass of loose fibers having irregular cross sectional diameters averaging 50 microns varying along the length of the fibers and having rough outer surfaces;applying a lubricant to said fibers

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A method of making a nonwoven metal fabric comprising the steps of:providing a mass of loose fibers having irregular cross sectional diameters averaging 50 microns varying along the length of the fibers and having rough outer surfaces;applying a lubricant to said fibers in sufficient quantities so that said irregular cross sections and rough outer surfaces retain said lubricant, said lubricant substantially coating said fibers;carding the lubricated fibers on a garnett to form a fiber web;lapping the fiber web to form multiple layers of said web; andneedling the multiple layers to interengage the fibers of respective layers to form the fabric.