The present invention provides in improved process of using electrostatics in the formation of nonwoven webs. In the process of the present invention, a source (10) of fibers (12) is provided. The fibers and filaments (12) are subjected to an electrostatic charge which is generated via an electrostatic unit (14) having a first side and a second side opposed to each other, wherein the electrostatic unit (14) has an array of protrusions (21) on the first side and the second side of the electrostatic unit. Once subject to the electrostatic charge, the fibers (12) are collected on a forming surface (26) to form a nonwoven web (32). The present invention also provides an apparatus for forming a nonwoven web (32). The apparatus of the present invention has a source (10) of fibers (12), a device (14) for applying an electrostatic charge to the fibers, the device (14) having a first side and a second side opposed to each other, wherein the device has an array of protrusions (21) on the first side and the second side of the device, and a forming surface (26) for collecting the fibers (12).