Non-slip finishes

Non-slip finishes are often used with under-constmcted fabrics to compensate for the reduced yam count and to achieve acceptable physical properties. Lining and pocketing fabrics made with smooth synthetic filaments are finished with friction enhancers combined with durable press agents, water repellents or hand modifiers to prevent seam slippage. Umbrella fabrics made from nylon or polyester filament yams are treated with friction enhancers and water repellents. The properties of any woven fabric with long floats can usually be improved with nonslip finishes. In particular, Jacquard upholstery fabrics with long floats are 

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The primary mechanism for the effectiveness of non-slip finishes is increased adhesion between fibres, filaments and yams. This increased adhesion is accomplished by two approaches. The first is the addition of inorganic solids to the surface of the fibres to increase frictional forces. The second is to use fitm-forming polymers to hold the yams physically in place. Often commercial non-slip products contain both friction enhancers and film formers. 

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). 

Non-slip finishes are mostly applied by the pad-dry process, combined as needed with hand builders, repellents or cellulose crosslinkers (easy-care finish). The combination of silicic acid sols with softeners or silicone-based water repellents is crucial - their effects are contrasting. 

Table 9.1 Test methods for non-slip finished woven fabrics...

Performance problems can occur when non-slip finishes are combined with repellent finishes. Polymeric non-slip products, more than silicic acid sols, can reduce repellency performance. One solution is to apply the non-slip finish, dry the fabric, then apply the repellent finish. Enhanced performance of anti-pilling and handbuilding finishes can be seen when these are combined with a non-slip finish. 

Furniture fabrics are back-coated with non-slip finishes, often with polymer-based ones. The formulation may include thickeners and flame retardants. Back-coating is mostly achieved by nip-padding or using a doctor (squeegee) or by foam application or spray techniques (for a lower add-on). Another one-side application is rotary printing (screens with regular perforation). 

Some potential difficulties with non-slip finishes include less flexibility and a harsher fabric hand (sometimes dry or fatty), dusting during cutting and sewing and delustering of fibres. 

Supporting anti-pilling Non-slip finishes Fluorocarbon finishes, if not too smooth (they may concentrate the anti-pilling products near the fibre surface) Flame retardants (large amounts are often stiffening, crosslinkers reduce the tear and abrasion strength)... 

Non-slip finishes Silidc acid sols with softeners or sihcone-based water repellents... 

In multi-material molding. Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPEs) are frequently co-molded with other resins to deliver special material characteristics. These unique properties include flexibility, soft touch or non-slip finishes. Common applications are toothbrushes, appliance knobs, power tool housings, garden tool handles, casters and automotive interior components. 

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