A glimpse to Fiber Auxiliaries

Spin Finishes :

A spin finish is a preparation applied by the manufacturer for continuous or staple fibers. It is used whether in the form of a water- based emulsion or a water dispersible concentrate, which basically contains lubricants, anti-static agents, emulsifiers, and additives.

Since the spinning is a continuous process in fiber manufacturing; spin finishes play an extremely critical role to prevent dusting, deposits and build ups on equipment’s such as rollers and dryers to eliminate fiber breakage for an efficient continuous production and should easily be washed off for further processing (ex: dyeing). Thus, formulating such a multi purpose preparation needs extensive knowledge in chemistry, formulation, and process knowledge and expertise.

Basic ingredients and their properties are;

Lubricants :

Lubricants are the main ingredients in a spinfinish compositions; which eliminates fiber-metal or fiber ceramic friction depending upon the type of equipments used. In general; synthetic ethers, esters or mineral based oils and waxes are used for this purpose. Reduction of friction decrease the risk of yarn breakage and thermal heating during the continuous processing which physically and chemically effect the characteristics of the fibers.

Anti-Static Agents:

Anti static agents are another vital component when formulating a spinfinish;  which reduces the static electric generated during high speed process conditions where lubricants can only reduce the friction to some extent. Anionic and cationic surfactants; such as phosphoric acid esters and fatty amine quats can be used for this purpose.

Emuslfiers:

Emulsifiers are another important ingredients which stabilize the formulation in water for a homogeneous application in continuous running and also helps washing off the spin finishe for further processes. Anionic and nonionic chemicals like; fatty alcohol ethers, sulfates,  fatty acid soaps can be used.

Additives:

Additives are wide range of chemicals used within the spin finish formulations depending upon the process conditions to prevent or eliminate several unwanted conditions like bacterial growth, foaming, thermal oxidation. Defoamers, preservatives or anti-oxidants can be classifies as additives.