Daiwa Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.
Durable water-absorbent antistatic finishing agent Elecnon QF

Maintains antistatic properties & water absorbency even after 30+ washes

The durable, water-absorbent antistatic finishing agent Elecnon QF (a type using a combination of Elecnon QF-10A and Elecnon QF-5B), recently developed and put on the market by Daiwa Chemical Industries, has outstanding washing fastness and water absorbency in comparison to conventional resin finishing agents through the combined use of cationic and anionic polymers.

The following is an interview with S. Nakamura, general manager, and T. Yamagata, assistant general manager of the R&D Dept., regarding what difference the durable, water-absorbent antistatic finishing agent Elecnon QF makes to conventional antistatic finishing agents and what initiated the development.

(Interview conducted by textileinfo editorial)

Q:	What difference does the antistatic finish with Elecnon QF make compared to conventional resin finishes?

Nakamura:

S. Nakamura, general manager of the R&D Dept. Elecnon QF has three major features; 1. it improves resistance to washing, 2. it is essentially not a resin finish and 3. it produces water absorbency. To be more precise, the combination of cationic and anionic polymers is what produces resistance to washing with Elecnon QF. With conventional resin-based finishes, the fact is that antistatic properties are stripped off after 30 washes. But with Elecnon QF, both antistatic properties and water absorbency are maintained even after so many washes.

Q:	Why are they not maintained in conventional resin finishes?

Yamagata:

T. Yamagata, assistant general manager of the R&D Dept. In order to add water absorbency, the use of hydrophilic compounds is necessary, but such compounds are water soluble, therefore, are easy to strip off. And how could this flaw be overcome? We needed some unconventional ideas in our contriving. It took us two years to develop Elecnon QF. Elecnon QF is a type that uses a combination of two agents, Elecnon QF-10A and Elecnon QF-5B. The former is polycationic/polyanionic and the latter polyanionic/nonionic. That is to say, by combining cationic and anionic antistatic agents, the production of superior antistatic effects and resistance to repeated washing has been made possible.

Q:	We hear its water absorbency is good, too.

Yamagata:

The use of Elecnon QF makes possible the production of a durable water-absorbent surface finish. Its water absorbency hardly deteriorates even after 30 washes.

Q:	What fibers is it applicable to?

Yamagata:

It is most effective when used in polyester but effects are also expected in various synthetic/natural blended fibers.

Q:	What uses are you planning to promote it for?

Nakamura:

We think it is best used in lining materials, blouses and worksuits. A spinning firm has already decided to adopt the agent for use in worksuits. We are confident Elecnon QF can satisfy the needs of other spinning firms and synthetic fiber manufacturers as an antistatic finishing agent as well as a water-absorbent surface finishing agent.

Q:	Please give us the details of QF.

Yamagata:

The following are the description, uses, method of use and performance test examples of Elecnon QF. Details of Elecnon QF 1. Description Elecnon QF-10A Elecnon QF-5B Appearance Pale yellow viscous liquid Elecnon QF-5B Component Polycatonic/polyanionic Polyanionic pH Approx. 2.0 Approx. 7.0 Ionicity Cationic/anionic Anionic/nonionic Solubility Soluble in water Soluble in water 2. Compatible fibers Synthetics (mainly polyester) and blends with natural fibers 3. Method of use - Best suited for padding treatment - Curing is required but at a degree as moderate as 130°C x 2min, setting is also recommended, if necessary, at 160°C for max. 1min 4. Liquor concentration 6-4% w.o.f Elecnon QF-10A and a half that of F-5B 5. Liquor preparation After 10A is completely dissolved in plentiful water, add QF-5B and stir. The solution turns transparent. In cases of adding other chemicals, the addition should be after the preparation of the QF-10A and QF-5B mix. 6. Example of performance test Table-1 shows examples of tests on friction-charged electrostatic potential and water absorbency. Table-1 Elecnon QF's antistatic properties and water absorbency - Friction-charged electrostatic potential test example (rotary static tester, 23°C, RH50%)   Friction-charged electrostatic potential Untreated Treated After 10 washes After 30 washes Polyester jersey 3800 10 1200 1500 Polyester tropical 4300 10 1350 1600 - Water absorbency test example (JIS L-1096A method)   Absorption of water (secs.) Untreated Treated After 10 washes After 30 washes Polyester jersey <180 1 3 15 Conditions: 6% QF-10A, 3% QF-5B   pick-up 100%, cure 130°C x 2min   alkali detergent used, followed by cold rinsing and 2 warm rinses (40°C) 7. Note 1) Use within 6 months from the date of production. 2) Store in a cool, dark place. 3) Note that slight yellowing may occur. 4) Note that fastness, particularly rubbing fastness, may deteriorate. 5) Test thoroughly for influences of the simultaneous use of other chemicals, especially those with high ionicity. 6) Carry out adequate rinsing, or trouble such as gumming-up due to adhesion of insoluble components to mangle dryer may occur. 8. Packaging Elecnon QF-10A: 18kg can Elecnon QF-5B: 17kg can