Coatings & treatments for PPE and protective apparel

摘要

Coatings and treatments at the fiber level are primarily utilized as a process aid. These ingredients can be used to heat stabilize the fiber while it is spun and stretched. They can also make the fibers easier to convert into the final fabric, and they can even be washed away during the process. Meanwhile, coatings, finishes and treatments for fabric at the final material stage are primarily utilized to add functionality to the final product. Functionality is additive to the material. These chemistries are generally not temporary, but rather are expected to be long lasting or even permanent. Fiber-to-fiber friction is the most important attribute in holding a fabric together in most applications, and thus this a major application for coatings, finishes and treatments at this stage. Some common examples of coatings and treatments utilized in the fiber stage that aid in the processing of fibers into a fabric or material include chemistries that reduce friction. The terminology utilized for coating a fiber is called "sizing." The sizing is a mixture of various chemicals, typically, but not exclusively, in an aqueous solution, which is ultimately safer to handle and better for the environment. This is a complex blend of ingredients, which can include polymeric components, coupling agents, lubricants and a range of additives. Additives can include surfactants, plasticiz-ers, rheology modifiers, anti-static agents and adhesion promoters, to name just a few. The assorted blend is specific to the final fiber and requires different sizing chemistries. However, what is typical and relatively consistent is that the solids content is between 5-15%.