| abstract |
The present invention concerns a flame retardant (FR) nonwoven fabric useful in wall panels, especially for cubicles. The nonwoven fabric comprises from about 15 to 65 weight % of a low melt binder, and least one of FR rayon fiber, FR acrylic fiber, FR melamine fiber, or FR resin coated synthetic or natural fibers, and optional nonbonding fibers. The total amount of FR fibers and FR resin coated synthetic or natural fibers is about 30-85 wt. % of the fabric. The present invention also contemplates a wall panel constructed from the nonwoven fabric comprising FR rayon fibers, FR acrylic fibers, FR melamine fiber or a combination of these, and/or FR resin coated synthetic or natural fibers, with about 15 to about 65 weight % low melt binder. The wall panel from this construction passes the ASTM E 1354, 1999 tests. Preferably the nonwoven fabric has a batt weight of at least about 40 oz./sq. yd. and preferably between about 40 oz./sq. yd. and 60 oz./sq. yd. |