Key considerations for adding textile wetting agents: an essential guide to ensure
high-quality and efficient textile processing
In the textile processing process, textile wetting agents have become an important auxiliary agent for improving
textile quality and production efficiency by reducing surface tension and promoting liquid penetration. However,
if they are added improperly, not only will they fail to exert their effectiveness, but they may also cause a series
of problems and affect the quality of the final product. Therefore, it is very important to understand and master
the key considerations when adding textile wetting agents. The following will provide you with a detailed analysis
from multiple dimensions.
I. Precise control of preliminary preparations
(I) Matching fabric characteristics with processing requirements
Different fabrics have significant differences in fiber structure and surface properties, and their requirements for
textile wetting agents are also different. Natural fibers such as cotton and linen fabrics have a certain degree of
hydrophilicity, but there are many impurities on the surface, so wetting agents with strong decontamination and
penetration capabilities are required; while chemical fiber fabrics such as polyester and nylon have smooth
surfaces and strong hydrophobicity, requiring wetting agents with stronger surface tension reduction capabilities
to enhance the fiber's adsorption of liquids. At the same time, it is important to clarify the specific processing
procedures and goals, such as dyeing to promote uniform penetration of dyes and printing to prevent color
paste from seeping. These requirements are important bases for selecting wetting agents. If the matching of
fabrics and processing requirements is ignored, the wetting agent may not work, and even problems such as
uneven dyeing and blurred printing patterns may occur.
(II) Type and quality identification of wetting agents
There are many types of textile wetting agents on the market, which can be divided into anionic, cationic,
nonionic and zwitterionic types according to ionicity, each with its own applicable scenarios. Anionic wetting
agents are often used in pre-treatment processes and have good decontamination and dispersion capabilities;
non-ionic wetting agents have stable chemical properties and are suitable for dyeing and finishing under high
temperature and strong acid and alkali conditions. When choosing, in addition to considering the type of ions,
you also need to pay attention to product quality. Inferior wetting agents may contain impurities, which will
affect the processing effect and even damage the fabric. Therefore, products produced by regular manufacturers
and qualified in quality inspection should be selected, and small sample tests should be conducted to compare
the effects of wetting agents of different brands and models in actual processing to select the most suitable products.
(III) Rigorousness of dosage calculation
The more wetting agent is used, the better the effect. Excessive use will increase costs and may also affect fabric
performance and processing effects; insufficient dosage will not fully exert the wetting effect. Generally speaking, the
dosage of wetting agent ranges from 0.5 to 5 g/L, but the specific value needs to be adjusted according to the fabric
type, processing technology and wetting agent performance. For example, for heavy fabrics or processes with high
wettability requirements, the dosage can be appropriately increased; while for thin fabrics or ordinary processing
requirements, the dosage can be reduced. When determining the dosage, a gradient test method is required to
prepare different amounts of treatment liquid to process small sample fabrics. By observing the wettability, dyeing
uniformity and other indicators of the fabric, combined with the production cost, the optimal dosage is determined.
II. Standard operation of the addition process
(I) Scientificity of the addition order
When preparing the treatment liquid, the order of adding the textile wetting agent will affect its dispersion effect
and compatibility with other ingredients. Usually, the wetting agent should be added to the water and stirred evenly
before adding other ingredients such as auxiliaries and dyes. If the order is reversed, the wetting agent may react
with other ingredients or fail to disperse evenly, affecting the overall effect. For example, in the dyeing process, if
the dye is added first and then the wetting agent, the dye may condense before the wetting agent is fully dispersed,
resulting in uneven dyeing. In addition, when multiple auxiliaries are used at the same time, the principle of "
dissolving the easily soluble first and the insoluble later" should be followed to ensure that all ingredients are fully
dissolved and mixed.
(II) Adequacy of stirring and dissolution
After adding the textile wetting agent, it must be fully stirred to ensure that it is completely dissolved and evenly
dispersed in the treatment liquid. If the stirring is not sufficient, the wetting agent may exist in the form of lumps,
resulting in excessive or weak local wettability during the fabric treatment process, resulting in processing quality
problems. The stirring time and speed should be adjusted according to the volume of the treatment liquid and the
performance of the equipment. Generally speaking, stir at medium or low speed for 5-10 minutes until the solution
is uniform, transparent and free of precipitation. For some poorly soluble wetting agents, the stirring speed can be
appropriately increased or the stirring time can be extended. If necessary, heating can be used to assist dissolution,
but it should be noted that the temperature should not be too high to avoid damaging the performance of the
wetting agent.
(III) Strict control of temperature and pH value
The performance of textile wetting agents is greatly affected by temperature and pH value. Most wetting agents can
only play the best effect within a certain temperature range. Too high temperature may cause their decomposition
and failure, and too low temperature will reduce their activity. For example, some non-ionic wetting agents will have
a turbidity point phenomenon at high temperature and lose their wetting ability. At the same time, different types
of wetting agents are suitable for different pH ranges. Anionic wetting agents are stable under alkaline conditions,
and cationic wetting agents are suitable for acidic environments. Therefore, before and after adding the wetting
agent, the temperature and pH value of the treatment liquid must be strictly monitored and adjusted according to
the characteristics of the wetting agent. If the temperature or pH value does not meet the requirements, it should
be adjusted to the appropriate range before adding the wetting agent to ensure its stable performance.
III. Continued attention in subsequent links
(I) Compatibility test with other auxiliaries
In textile processing, in addition to wetting agents, a variety of auxiliaries such as defoamers, leveling agents, and
fixing agents are also used. These auxiliaries may interact with each other and affect the processing effect. For example,
some defoamers may react with wetting agents and reduce the activity of wetting agents; some leveling agents may
change the surface tension of the dye solution and conflict with the wetting agent. Therefore, before large-scale
production, auxiliaries compatibility test must be carried out. Mix the wetting agent with other auxiliaries according
to the actual production ratio, observe whether precipitation, stratification, discoloration and other phenomena occur,
and carry out small sample processing at the same time to test the processing quality of the fabric. If compatibility
problems are found, the type, dosage or addition order of the auxiliaries can be adjusted to select a combination of
auxiliaries with synergistic effects.
(II) Equipment cleaning and maintenance
Equipment for adding textile wetting agents, such as stirring kettles, pipelines, etc., needs to be cleaned in time after use.
The residual wetting agent may react with the next batch of processing liquid, affecting the quality of the product. It may
also form dirt on the inner wall of the equipment, breed bacteria, and cause hidden dangers to subsequent processing.
When cleaning, special cleaning agents should be used and the operation should be carried out in accordance with the
requirements of the equipment manual to ensure that there is no residue inside the equipment. In addition, the equipment
should be maintained and inspected regularly, such as checking the operation of the agitator and the sealing of the pipeline,
to ensure the normal operation of the equipment and avoid inaccurate addition or abnormal processing due to equipment failure.
(III) Implementation of safety and environmental protection measures
Some textile wetting agents may be toxic, irritating or corrosive, and safety protection measures must be taken during the
addition process. Operators should wear protective gloves, masks, goggles and other protective equipment to avoid contact
between wetting agents and skin and eyes. If accidentally contacted, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical
attention in time. At the same time, with the improvement of environmental protection requirements, attention should be paid
to the environmental performance of wetting agents. Choose environmentally friendly wetting agents to reduce pollution to the
environment. When treating wastewater after use, it should be treated in accordance with relevant environmental protection
regulations to ensure that the wastewater meets the discharge standards. For example, for wastewater containing a large amount
of wetting agents, neutralization, precipitation, biological treatment and other methods can be used to reduce the concentration
of pollutants and protect the ecological environment.
Adding textile wetting agents is an important link that cannot be ignored in textile processing. Every detail is related to the
quality and production efficiency of the final product. By accurately controlling the preliminary preparation, standardizing the
addition process operation and continuously paying attention to the subsequent links, the role of textile wetting agents can be
fully utilized to ensure high-quality and efficient textile processing, create greater value for enterprises, and promote the textile
industry to develop in a green and sustainable direction.
