Method for measuring static attraction propensity
A method for measuring the attraction propensity of fabric including the steps of charging a neutralized test fabric, optionally by contacting with a charging fabric, presenting the charged test fabric a predetermined distance from a static-influenced agent such that at least a portion of the static-influenced agent attaches to the charged test fabric, and determining the quantity of attached static-influenced agent.
1. A method for measuring the attraction propensity of a fabric, the method comprising the steps of:
charging a neutralized test fabric by contacting with a charging fabric;
presenting the charged test fabric a predetermined distance from a static-influenced agent such that at least a portion of the static-influenced agent attaches to the charged test fabric; and
determining the quantity of attached static-influenced agent.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the charging comprises tribocharging the neutralized test fabric.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the tribocharged test fabric has an electric potential of greater than ±0 kV.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the tribocharging comprises rubbing the charging fabric along a surface of the neutralized test fabric at a speed from 1 in/s to 50 in/s.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the charged test fabric has an electric potential of greater than ±0 kV.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the static-influenced agent is present in a pre-measured amount.
7. The method of claim 2 , further comprising conditioning the neutralized test fabric and/or the charged test fabric to a controlled environment.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the controlled environment is maintained at a temperature from 10° C. to 30° C.
9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the controlled environment is maintained at a relative humidity from 0% to 70%.
10. The method of claim 7 , wherein the controlled environment is maintained at a relative humidity from 0% to 30%.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the charging comprises tumbling.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined distance is based on properties of the static-influenced agent.
13. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:
neutralizing a base fabric to yield a neutralized test fabric.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the neutralizing comprises:
washing and drying the test fabric; and
conditioning the test fabric to the controlled environment.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the neutralizing further comprises:
neutralizing the static charge of the test fabric.
16. The method of claim 1 , further comprising measuring the electric charge of the charged test fabric.
17. The method of claim 1 , wherein the test fabric comprises natural fibers, synthetic fibers of polyester, polyamide, polyalkene, or polyacrylic, composite fibers, woven or non-woven fabrics, laminate fabrics, combinations of natural and synthetic fibers, or blends thereof.
18. The method of claim 1 , wherein the charging fabric comprises natural fibers, synthetic fibers of polyester, polyamide, polyalkene, or polyacrylic, composite fibers, woven or non-woven fabrics, laminate fabrics, combinations of natural and synthetic fibers, or blends thereof.
19. The method of claim 1 , wherein the charging fabric comprises nylon-6,6, PET, wool, wool blends, nylon-cotton blends, or combinations thereof.
20. The method of claim 1 , wherein the static-influenced agent comprises polyester lint, cotton lint, human hair, cat hair, dog hair, dust, pollen, allergens, irritants, spores, or combinations thereof.
21. The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined distance is less than 5 inches.
22. The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined distance is less than 2 inches.