Guide to the use of textile wetting agents: scientific operation to improve textile processing efficiency
In textile production, wetting agents are the "secret weapon" to improve processing efficiency and optimize
product quality. However, how to use textile wetting agents scientifically and reasonably to give full play to
their performance advantages? This article will provide you with a practical popular science guide from the
aspects of preparation before use, operation steps, precautions and common problem handling.
1. Preparation before use
Understand the characteristics of wetting agents
The composition, application range and performance of textile wetting agents of different brands may vary.
Before use, you need to read the product manual carefully to clarify the applicable fiber type (such as cotton,
polyester, blended, etc.), applicable process (such as dyeing, printing, pretreatment) and recommended dosage.
Check equipment and water quality
Equipment cleaning:
Ensure that there are no residual chemicals or impurities in the processing equipment (such as dyeing machines,
printing machines, scouring tanks, etc.) to avoid contamination of the wetting agent solution.
Water quality requirements: Water hardness, pH value, etc. may affect the effect of the wetting agent. It is recommended
to use soft water or treated water, and water quality regulators can be added if necessary.
Prepare auxiliary materials
Prepare other chemical additives (such as dyes, color fixatives, softeners, etc.) in advance according to process requirements,
and ensure that they are compatible with the wetting agent.
2. Operation steps
Prepare wetting agent solution
Dilution ratio: Slowly add the wetting agent to the water (rather than pouring water into the wetting agent) according to
the dilution ratio recommended in the product manual, stirring while adding to ensure full dissolution.
Temperature control: Some wetting agents are sensitive to temperature, and the solution temperature needs to be adjusted
according to the instructions (such as room temperature or heating to 40-60℃).
Standing defoaming: After the preparation is completed, stand for a while to eliminate the foam generated by stirring to
avoid affecting subsequent processing.
Pre-treating fibers
Clean fibers: Ensure that there are no impurities such as oil, wax, etc. on the surface of the fibers to be treated, and pre-clean
them if necessary.
Adjust humidity:
For some processes (such as printing), the moisture regain of the fibers needs to be controlled to avoid affecting the wetting
effect due to excessive drying or excessive moisture of the fibers.
Application of wetting agent
Immersion method: immerse the fiber in the wetting agent solution for a certain period of time (such as 10-30 minutes) to
ensure sufficient wetting.
Spraying method: spray the wetting agent solution evenly on the fiber surface through the spraying equipment, which is
suitable for continuous production.
Add to process liquid: directly add the wetting agent to the process liquid such as dyeing and printing, and work together
with other auxiliaries.
Subsequent processing
Drainage and cleaning: After the wetting treatment is completed, drain and clean the fiber according to the process
requirements to remove excess wetting agent.
Enter the next process: such as dyeing, printing or finishing, it is necessary to ensure that the fiber surface is evenly
wetted to avoid quality defects caused by local drying.
3. Precautions
Safety protection
Wear protective gloves, goggles, etc. during operation to avoid contact between the wetting agent and the skin or eyes.
Ensure that the operating environment is well ventilated to avoid inhalation of volatile components.
Dosage control
Excessive use of wetting agent may cause excessive foam, uneven dyeing or increased costs, and it must be added strictly
according to the recommended dosage.
Too little may not achieve the expected wetting effect, and it needs to be flexibly adjusted according to the fiber type,
process conditions and water quality.
Compatibility test
Before large-scale use, it is recommended to conduct a small sample test to verify the compatibility of the wetting agent with
other additives and the impact on the fiber.
Avoid mixing with strong acids, strong alkalis or oxidants to avoid reducing the performance of the wetting agent or
producing harmful substances.
Storage conditions
The wetting agent should be stored in a cool, dry and ventilated place, avoiding direct sunlight or high temperature
environment.
Store in a sealed place to prevent volatilization or contamination, and ensure use within the shelf life.
4. Common problems and treatment methods
Poor wetting effect
Reason: Insufficient amount of wetting agent, too hard water, impurities on the fiber surface, etc.
Treatment: Increase the amount of wetting agent, improve water quality, and strengthen fiber pretreatment.
Too much foam
Reason: Insufficient defoamer in the wetting agent, too fast stirring speed, etc.
Treatment: Add an appropriate amount of defoamer, reduce the stirring speed or extend the standing time.
Uneven dyeing
Cause: Uneven wetting leads to uneven dye distribution.
Treatment: Optimize the wetting process (such as extending the immersion time, improving the spraying method),
and ensure that the wetting agent is evenly distributed.
Fiber damage
Cause: The pH value of the wetting agent is too high or too low, and the temperature is too high.
Treatment: Adjust the pH value of the wetting agent to neutral or weakly acidic, and control the processing temperature.
5. Environmental protection and sustainable development
Wastewater treatment
The used wetting agent solution must be treated and discharged to meet the standards to avoid pollution to the environment.
Biodegradable wetting agents can be used to reduce the difficulty of wastewater treatment.
Energy saving and emission reduction
By optimizing the wetting process, reduce the consumption of water, energy and chemical agents, and reduce production costs.
Promote low-temperature wetting technology to reduce carbon emissions.
Conclusion
The scientific use of textile wetting agents is the key to improving textile processing efficiency and product quality. By fully
understanding the characteristics of wetting agents, standardizing operating procedures, and paying attention to safety and
environmental protection, you can not only give full play to the performance advantages of wetting agents, but also
contribute to the sustainable development of enterprises. I hope this guide can help you achieve more with less effort in
textile production and create more high-quality, environmentally friendly textiles!
