As described herein, an abrasion resistant nonwoven fabric includes fibers having an external surface covered with a treatment selected from the group consisting of organosilicone compounds applied by plasma treatment in inert gas without the presence of oxygen and acrylic monomers having a Tg greater than or equal to 20 degrees C. applied onto the nonwoven fabric and subsequently surface grafted and crosslinked via exposure to plasma glow discharge or e-beam without the presence of oxygen. The treated fabrics demonstrate improved abrasion resistance over untreated fabrics.