Dipped Treatments

The dipped treatments are used to add different properties to the coatings, these are:

• Weave locking and stiffening – fray reduction
• Increased temperature resistance
• Increases flexing resistance at high temperature
• Adhesion promoters
• Ability to withstand molten metal
• Dying and colouring

Theoretically, it is possible to apply any dip treatment to any fabric, although not common practice, which could be for a multitude of reasons, contact us to discuss specific requirements.

Calcium Silicate (CS)

Temperature resistance: up to 700°c

Calcium Silicate coats and protects the fibres giving them increased temperature resistance over extended periods, possible to produce in a range of different colours.

Graphite (G)

Temperature resistance: up to 650°C

Graphite on Woven Glass: The graphite solution not only increases temperature resistance, but also gives increased resistance to flexing, especially useful in flexible connectors, fabric expansion joints and compensators.

Graphite on Woven Silica: The graphite solution stabilises the silica fibres, and gives increased resistance to flexing at high temperatures.

Silane & Other Adhesion Promoters

Adhesion promoters can be required to help certain rubbers and resins bond to the relatively smooth surface of glass fibres, nylon/polyester fibres and some aramid fibres. A wide variety of specific compounds are available – please call us to discuss any specific requirements.

Silica Wash (SWL)

Temperature resistance: up to 750°C

Amorphous silicate dispersion coats and protects the fibres giving them increased temperature resistance over extended periods, possible to produce in a range of different colours.

Temperature resistance: up to 750°C

Vermiculite (Weldblock/WB)

THS vermiculite coated fabrics became known as WELDBLOCK

Temperature resistance: up to 1000°C

Vermiculite treatments are most common on Glass or Silica fibre fabrics, this treatment can perform at temperatures up to 1000°c on a one-off basis. Its particular niche is welding blankets, being able to withstand molten metal. It also increases its abrasion resistance, locking the fibres.

Weavelock (WL)

Temperature resistance: up to 150°C

Usually a fire-retardant acrylic finish, which stabiles the fibres and reduces fraying, available in a range of colours and varying thicknesses. Glass cloth with a weavelock finish is often referred to as ‘plain glass cloth’.

FAQs

What are Dipped Treatments for Industrial Fabrics?

Dipped treatments are liquid-applied finishes absorbed into the fabric structure during a dip process, as opposed to surface coatings which sit on top. They are used to modify the base fabric’s properties, adding benefits such as increased temperature resistance, improved flexing resistance, weave locking to reduce fraying and increased resistance to molten metal.

What is Vermiculite Coated Fabric Used For?

Vermiculite treatment is most commonly applied to glass or silica fibre fabrics and is specifically valued for its ability to withstand molten metal spatter, making it the treatment of choice for welding blankets. It also increases abrasion resistance and locks the fibres in place for improved dimensional stability.

What is Graphite Dipped Glass Cloth Used For?

Graphite treatment is applied to both woven glass and silica fabrics, though it works slightly differently on each. On woven glass it improves resistance to repeated flexing, making it particularly useful for fabric expansion joints, flexible connectors and compensators. On woven silica it stabilises the fibres and similarly improves flexing resistance at high temperatures.

What is a Weavelock Finish?

Weavelock is a fire-retardant acrylic finish applied to glass cloth to stabilise the fibres and reduce fraying, making the fabric easier to handle and fabricate.

What is Calcium Silicate Coating on Fabric?

Calcium silicate is a dipped treatment that coats and protects the individual fibres within the fabric, providing increased temperature resistance over extended periods.

What is Silica Wash Treatment?

Silica wash is an amorphous silicate dispersion applied as a dipped treatment, coating and protecting the fibres to provide increased temperature resistance over extended periods.