Chemistry of non-slip finishes

The most common friction enhancing agents are based on dispersions of silicic acid called sols (Fig. 9.1). About two-thirds of the commercial non-sUp finishing products, listed in the International Textile Auxiliary Buyers Guide, are based on silicic acid sols only a few are aluminium oxide dispersions. These products can be formed in a variety of particle sizes from 5 to 150 pm and yield dispersions that range from clear to milky white. When the sols are deposited on the fibre surface, the surface becomes much rougher and frictional forces between fibres become much larger. 

The polymeric film formers used as non-slip finishes are typically copolymers of vinyl, acrylic and methacrylic monomers. These materials are similar in structure to the copolymers used as hand builders (see Chapter 4, Fig. 4.3 and Fig. 4.5). 

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