Module manager: Stephen Russell
Email: s.j.russell@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module will explore the materials, manufacturing technologies and product applications associated with nonwoven fabrics, in the context of sustainable development. You will be able to identify different types of nonwoven structure, demonstrate understanding of their manufacturing methods (including web formation and bonding), and relate fabric structure to fabric properties and final product performance. This module will also cover key technical innovations, environmental challenges, and the importance of nonwovens technology to sustainable development in wider industrial contexts.
The objectives of the module are to:
1) To stress the industrial, societal and environmental importance of nonwoven product applications and technology.
2) To develop knowledge and skills for identifying modes of web formation and bonding used to manufacture nonwoven fabrics.
3) To develop knowledge of different nonwoven manufacturing technologies and their technical capabilities
4) To introduce an appreciation of the structure-property relationships of nonwoven fabrics and the interlinked requirements of materials, manufacturing and product performance.
On successful completion of the module students will be able to: 1. Appraise the role of nonwoven manufacturing in the production of innovative products, and the relevance of nonwovens technology to sustainable development. 2. Evaluate fabric structure and properties to identify associated modes of manufacture in terms of web formation and bonding. 3. Assess the operating principles of all major web formation and bonding methods, including appropriate feedstock requirements. 4. Interpret the effects of changing manufacturing process variables in web formation and bonding on the structure and properties of nonwoven fabrics.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
5. Infer solutions to technical challenges associated with the manufacturing of nonwoven fabrics.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Practicals | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Seminar | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Private study hours | 185 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 15 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Opportunities for formative feedback include:
1) Formative Assessment/Feedback 1 – Online MCQs real-time assessment technology (such as Mentimeter) to enable short questions within module lectures.
2) Formative Assessment/Feedback 2- Lab session time-limited tasks to group support problem-solving and the application of knowledge to real-world technical challenges.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Lab report | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team