During the production of knitted woolen trousers, static electricity primarily arises from the interaction between the natural properties of wool fibers and the processing environment. Wool fibers are composed of keratin and covered with a scale structure. This structure facilitates electron transfer with other materials during friction, leading to charge accumulation. Furthermore, wool has poor electrical conductivity, especially in dry environments, where the fiber's moisture content decreases, making it difficult to conduct charge, further exacerbating static electricity. To reduce static electricity in knitted woolen trouser production, multiple approaches are necessary, including fiber pretreatment, processing environment control, equipment optimization, and post-finishing processes.
During fiber pretreatment, the coefficient of friction can be reduced by adding wool oil and antistatic agents. Wool oil reduces frictional resistance between fibers, protecting wool fibers from damage and reducing static electricity generated by friction. Antistatic agents inhibit static charge accumulation by increasing the fiber's hygroscopicity or ionizing the fiber surface. During pretreatment, wool oil, antistatic agent, and water should be mixed in appropriate proportions, stirred evenly, and fully absorbed by the fibers to ensure a balanced moisture regain on the machine, thereby reducing static electricity during production.
Controlling the temperature and humidity of the processing environment is crucial for reducing static electricity. Static electricity is more likely to occur when the air is dry. Appropriate humidity increases the surface conductivity of wool fibers, preventing charge accumulation. Therefore, in the production workshop, a humidifier should be used to maintain an appropriate humidity level, especially during dry seasons. Furthermore, workshop temperature should be controlled within a reasonable range to avoid excessive temperatures that dry out the fibers and further exacerbate static electricity.
Equipment optimization is also a key step in reducing static electricity. During spinning and weaving processes, friction between equipment components can easily generate static electricity, necessitating special treatment of key components such as rubber rollers and rollers. For example, using new graphene rubber rollers and applying a two-component coating surface treatment can improve their wear resistance, oil resistance, and antistatic properties. Regularly cleaning the rubber roller surface with an antistatic agent can further reduce static electricity. In addition, appropriately reducing machine speed and increasing roller gauge can also reduce friction during processing and minimize static electricity accumulation.
During the finishing process, the application of antistatic agents can effectively enhance the antistatic properties of knitted woolen trousers. Through processes such as padding, impregnation, or curing, the antistatic agent adheres or cross-links to the fiber surface, reducing the interfiber friction coefficient and improving moisture absorption, thereby inhibiting the generation of static charge. Antistatic agents are categorized by their ionicity into cationic, anionic, and nonionic types. Cationic antistatic agents offer better antistatic effects but may have slightly lower durability. Nonionic agents are widely used, relatively low-cost, and suitable for large-scale production. Finished knitted woolen trousers not only have enhanced antistatic properties but may also possess moisture absorption and anti-fouling properties.
Blending technology is also an effective means of reducing static electricity. Blending wool with conductive or other natural fibers can alter the fiber's polarity and reduce triboelectric charging. Conductive fibers, such as metal fibers, carbon fibers, or organic conductive fibers, possess excellent conductivity and can effectively dissipate charge, preventing static electricity accumulation. The blending ratio must be adjusted according to product requirements to ensure both antistatic effectiveness and the comfort and style of the knitted woolen trousers.
Detailed management during the production process is also crucial. For example, during fiber transportation and storage, prolonged contact with static-prone materials such as chemical fibers must be avoided. During the weaving process, equipment must be cleaned regularly to prevent the accumulation of fiber debris and static electricity. Finally, during finished product inspection, static performance testing is performed to ensure product compliance with standards.
