A Corona-Discharge Method of Producing Shrink-Resistant Wool and Mohair

Abstract

A pilot-scale corona reactor that produces a high-power corona for rapid treatment of wool or mohair top was built and tested. The maximum production rate is 43 lb/hr for a 2-sec. treatment. Power consumption of the 14×24-in. corona cell is 4.5 kw at 16,150 v-2070 Hz but is greatly reduced with fractional reductions in voltage. During operation, electrode temperature is controlled by circulating thermostatted air over the back of the electrodes, which have heat-dissipating fins. Control of the corona-field atmosphere permits treatment over a wide range of humidity and chlorine con centration. The web is transported by either a single Teflon-coated wire belt or a double belt system consisting of a wire belt and a Teflon-impregnated fiberglass belt, the choice depending on processing conditions and type of fiber. Operating characteristics of the reactor are described, as well as the improvement in shrinkage resistance and spin nability that corona treatment imparts to wool and mohair.