Flocked fabrics and structures

Flocked articles are manufactured by various flocking techniques. Fiber coating (flocking) involves applying flock fibers on uncured adhesive-coated substrate surfaces by applying an electrostatic driving force on charged flock fibers. Flock fibers are finely cut natural or manufactured synthetic fibers with electrically conductive surface finishes. Flocked materials and products are applied in numerous fields such as upholstery, toys and crafts, jewelry display backings, the clothing industry, the automotive industry, carpets and technical textiles, because of their visual, technical and economical advantages. This chapter discusses electrostatic flocking theory, flock fiber preparation, flocking adhesives, flocking processes, flocked products and market trends.