When industrial wipes come into contact with corrosive liquids, the key to preventing material swelling and degradation lies in prioritizing chemically inert base fiber raw materials to minimize the potential for reaction with the corrosive medium. These fibers must possess a stable molecular structure, such as a carbon-carbon or carbon-fluorine backbone. Their high chemical bond energy makes them resistant to disruption by ions or molecules in corrosive liquids such as acids, bases, and solvents. Furthermore, the intermolecular bonds between the fibers must be sufficiently strong to prevent the penetration of corrosive liquids, which would weaken the forces between the molecular chains and cause swelling (i.e., expansion and loosening of the fiber's structure after absorption of liquid) or degradation (i.e., molecular chain breakage and material damage). For example, some synthetic fibers are inherently non-hydrophilic or non-solvent-loving, which can reduce their absorption of corrosive liquids, fundamentally reducing the risk of swelling and degradation and laying the foundation for subsequent protection.
Surface modification of base fibers is a key step in enhancing their corrosion resistance, creating a physical or chemical barrier to prevent direct contact between the corrosive liquid and the fiber itself. Common modification methods include surface coating and chemical grafting. The coating process forms a dense, inert film on the fiber surface that is non-reactive with corrosive liquids and adheres tightly to the fiber surface, preventing the liquid from penetrating the fiber interior. Chemical grafting, on the other hand, involves grafting anti-corrosion molecular chains onto the fiber surface, altering the fiber's surface chemistry and making it "repellent" to corrosive media. This reduces liquid adsorption and prevents chemical reactions between fiber molecules and the corrosive liquid. During the modification process, the coating thickness or grafting density must be controlled to avoid excessive treatment that could reduce fiber flexibility and affect the feel and fit of industrial wipes. This ensures a balance between protective performance and user experience.
The design of woven or non-woven fabric structures requires optimizing density and interlayer bonding to further enhance barrier properties against corrosive liquids. Woven industrial wipes can utilize a high-density weaving process to minimize interfiber pores, reducing the amount and rate of penetration of corrosive liquids. Furthermore, the yarn interlacing points must be secure to prevent loosening of the yarns after immersion in corrosive liquids, leading to structural disintegration. Non-woven industrial wipes can utilize a multi-layer composite structure. For example, a layer of fiber with the strongest corrosion resistance serves as the inner layer (directly exposed to the corrosive liquid), while an outer layer of higher-strength fiber provides support. A special reinforcement process connects the two layers, preventing the inner fibers from falling off due to corrosion damage while also blocking some corrosive liquid penetration through the outer layer. Furthermore, the edges of the fabric must be sealed to prevent loose fibers from becoming a penetration point for corrosive liquids, thus ensuring the corrosion-resistant integrity of the overall structure.
Cross-linking during the post-finishing process can further enhance the stability of the fiber molecules and reduce damage to the molecular chains by corrosive liquids. Cross-linking uses chemical reagents to form additional chemical bonds between fiber molecular chains, creating a three-dimensional network structure. This structure enhances the fiber's resistance to swelling. Even if a small amount of corrosive fluid penetrates the fiber, it is difficult to disrupt the tight network structure, preventing fiber swelling due to loosening of the molecular chains. Furthermore, cross-linked molecular chains are more difficult to break apart by active ingredients in the corrosive fluid, thereby reducing the risk of degradation. The degree of cross-linking must be controlled during the finishing process. Excessive cross-linking can cause fiber brittleness, affecting the abrasion and tear resistance of industrial wipes. A balance must be struck between corrosion resistance and mechanical properties to ensure that industrial wipes maintain structural stability when exposed to corrosive fluids while also withstanding normal wiping pressure.
Selecting the appropriate material based on the type of corrosive fluid (e.g., acidic, alkaline, or solvent-based) is crucial for preventing swelling and degradation. Different corrosive media have different mechanisms of fiber damage, requiring targeted selection. For example, the hydrogen ions in acidic liquids react easily with hydroxyl and amino groups in fibers, so fibers without these reactive groups should be selected. Alkaline liquids may hydrolyze the ester bonds in fibers, so fibers containing ester bonds, such as polyesters, should be avoided. Solvent-based corrosive liquids may dissolve the non-crystalline portion of the fiber, so fibers with strong solvent resistance should be selected. Before actual application, small-scale testing should be conducted to verify the compatibility of the material with the specific corrosive liquid, observing for swelling, discoloration, or strength loss over time. This is to avoid sudden degradation during use due to improper material selection, which could lead to liquid leakage or material damage, and to ensure operator safety.
Mechanical enhancements to the material's design ensure that it maintains structural integrity even in the presence of minor corrosion, preventing overall failure due to localized degradation. Even materials with excellent corrosion resistance may experience slight performance degradation after long-term exposure to corrosive liquids. Therefore, initial mechanical strength should be enhanced in the material design, such as by using high-strength fibers or by increasing the strength of yarns and fabrics through processes such as fiber twisting and fabric finishing. Furthermore, industrial wipes can be designed for single use to avoid the cumulative effects of corrosion caused by repeated use. Single-use wipes ensure that the material is in optimal corrosion resistance each time it comes into contact with corrosive fluids, reducing the risk of swelling and degradation caused by material fatigue (such as fiber wear and structural loosening) after repeated use. This is particularly suitable for use in highly corrosive environments or where contact is frequent.
Supplementary protective measures during use can complement the material's inherent corrosion resistance, further reducing the risk of swelling and degradation. For example, when working with highly concentrated corrosive fluids, corrosion-resistant gloves can be used. This not only reduces direct contact between the wipe and the hand (preventing contact between the material and the skin if the material breaks), but also provides support and reduces the forces acting on the wipe, preventing tearing caused by slight decreases in material strength in the corrosive fluid. Industrial wipes should be promptly disposed of according to regulations after use to avoid prolonged immersion in corrosive fluids, reducing contact time between the fluid and the material and slowing degradation. In addition, the storage environment must be kept dry and clean to prevent industrial wipes from coming into contact with other corrosive substances or getting damp (humidity may accelerate certain corrosion reactions) during storage. This ensures that the material is always in a stable state before use, maximizing its anti-swelling and degradation properties and ensuring safe use.
