The Cause of Static

Static is generated by “friction” between surfaces and moving objects such as shoes. Another form of static build-up is “induction” where a large electrical field can build up through the use of photocopiers, computers and large electrical equipment.

Static problems are worsened in periods of low humidity or when air conditioning or heating equipment is turned up too high and thus drying out the remaining moisture of the surface or carpet fibres that allow static to conduct away.

The Cure for Static Problems - Retain Moisture

Anti-Static Treatment is an economical treatment that works in two ways to stop static immediately and retain its anti static performance and durability for long periods. The two mechanisms used are water pickup by the hydroscopic action and charge neutralisation and disruption by ionic charging of the surfaces or carpet fibres.

Types of Fibres

Research Products Anti-Static Treatment has been formulated to work best on problem synthetic carpet fibres and vinyl surfaces as these have shown to cause the highest chance of static build-up. Wool and wool blend carpets have also shown to have problems, usually in “static season” of low humidity. Some carpet fibres that have been treated with a stain repellent or stain blocker at the factory will not require anti-static treatment if this has been applied in the manufacturing stage. If static is found to exist on these carpets an extraction or dry clean is all that is necessary to rectify the problem.

Application for carpet

Anti-Static Treatment may be applied to dry or damp carpet by spraying with fan jet pattern. No heat curing is required for it to reach maximum effectiveness and Anti-Static Treatment starts working immediately it is applied to the fibre.

The aim of the application is to deposit solution volume that represents 26 to 35% of the weight of fibre on the carpet. Obviously then the higher the pile and the thicker the pile the more solution needs to be applied. It is important that the carpet is not over wet.

Spray Application:
Use a motorised or hand pump spray fitted with a “Spraying System 8004 T Jet.” This provides a flat, even depth application with enough pressure so as not to bead up but to penetrate at least to achieve 20 - 35% solution to fibre weight ratio.

This usually represents penetration of at least 40% of the pile weight.

Directions:

Initial Treatment
Dilute 1 part Anti-Static Treatment to 20 parts water and apply to dry carpet at the rate of 1 ltr per 20 square metres (4.5 m x 4.5m) or an average sized bedroom.

On damp or wet carpet where you don’t wish to apply more moisture than necessary dilute Anti-Static Treatment 1 to 10 parts water and spray half the normal volume 500 ml 20 square meters (4.5 m x 4.5m).

Testing Results

Light Fastness: All carpets treated with Research Product Anti-Static Treatment have shown light fastness equal to that of untreated carpet.

Crockfastness: Research Product Anti-Static Treatment has shown very small effects on crockfastness causing approximately 0.5 point reduction versus untreated. This is a significant advantage over competitive topical anti-static.

Physiological: Tests have shown a extremely low order to toxicity. Research Products Anti-Static Treatment is not considered a skin irritant or sensitiser. We recommend, however, that prolonged contact with the skin should be avoided by use of gloves.

Environmental: Research Products Anti-Static Treatment contains no solvents or cationic surfactants. These have proven to cause sticky residues which pick up soil and attract dust. Anti-Static Treatment is biodegradable.

Application to Resilient Flooring

Research Products Anti-Static Treatment should be applied after routine cleaning of the floor surface has been completed and applied by damp mopping floor area.

Directions

Initial Treatment - Dilute 1 part Anti-Static Treatment to 20 parts water. (Approx. 750 ml per wringer bucket).

Damp mop with a clean cotton, mop the entire floor area changing solution every 50 sq metres.

Maintenance Application

Dilute 1 part Anti-Static Treatment to 40 parts water and damp mop entire floor area changing solution every 50 sq metres.

Cleaning Performance

Whilst not a formulated cleaner Anti-Static Treatment will remove light soil build-up and therefore be used as the mopping cleaner.