The differences between geotextiles and non-woven fabrics
Jun 12, 2025
Definitions and manufacturing processes
Geotextile :
It is made of synthetic fibers through needling, weaving or thermal bonding, and belongs to geosynthetic materials. The production process focuses on mechanical properties.
There are two types: woven and non-woven. For example, long-fiber geotextiles are formed by high-temperature melting of polyester chips.
Nonwoven fabric :
It is made by directly bonding fibers through chemical, thermal or mechanical methods, without the need for traditional textile processes. The production techniques are diverse (such as spunbonding, meltblown and needle-punched).
Performance characteristics
Mechanical properties :
Geotextile: It has high tensile strength (the longitudinal and transverse strengths of some products are similar), and can withstand the tensile force and soil stress in engineering.
Non-woven fabric: It has relatively low strength, and the products produced by different processes vary greatly (for example, spunbond non-woven fabric has higher strength, but it is weaker than geotextile).
Water permeability and durability :
Geotextile: It has good water permeability and long-term corrosion resistance, and can be stably used in acidic and alkaline environments.
Non-woven fabric: Water permeability varies by application (for example, medical non-woven fabric needs to be breathable, while agricultural non-woven fabric needs to be moisture-retaining), and some types are prone to decomposition.
Safety :
Geotextile: Emphasizes anti-microbial and anti-insect properties.
Non-woven fabric: Mostly made of food-grade raw materials, it is non-toxic and non-irritating. Some used in medical treatment need to meet sterilization standards.
