Colloidal silica for electrostatic flocking

What electro-finishing does

In electrostatic flocking, cut fibres are charged and shot onto an adhesive-coated substrate, where they stand upright and form a velvet-like pile. Untreated fibres clump, stick to each other and respond poorly to the field. Electro-finishing treats the fibre surface so that each fibre:

• separates freely instead of clumping, which gives even, free-flowing flock;
• has controlled surface conductivity, so it charges and flies in the field and lands upright;
• resists static build-up during handling and sieving.

Colloidal silica deposits a fine layer of SiO₂ particles on the fibre surface. That layer acts as a separating agent and dispersant, and it is antistatic.

How it is used

In the plants we supply, colloidal silica is added to the treatment mixer together with the cut fibres and other finishing agents. The batch is agitated so that the sol coats the fibres evenly, then dewatered and dried. A typical addition is about 10–12%. The right level depends on the fibre type (nylon, viscose, polyester), fibre length and denier, and on each plant's own process.

Grades for flocking

Why source from Guolian

• Proven in volume. Our sol goes into flock made every day by producers in the Changzhou cluster.
• Consistent batches. Electro-finishing is sensitive to changes in SiO₂ content, pH and particle size. We make the sol ourselves, so every batch is made the same way.
• Silica and alumina sol from one supplier, for both standard and premium flock lines.