Electrostatic flocking of lignocellulosic fibers for surface coating: evaluating the role of process parameters

Surface properties are among the most critical characteristics of a material, which can be effectively modified using the electrostatic flocking method to meet specific functional requirements and applications. In this technique, an electrostatic field is applied to attract short fibers onto the surface of a substrate, resulting in a well-aligned and uniform fiber coating. Lignocellulosic fibers exhibit significant potential for application in electrostatic flocking due to their structural and chemical properties, making them suitable for applications requiring biodegradability, mechanical reinforcement, and cost-effective sustainability, particularly in packaging and biomedical devices. This study investigates the influence of key process parameters including electric field strength, electrode distance, and fiber pretreatment on the flocking efficiency for two types of lignocellulosic fibers: softwood pulp and jute. Various treatments were applied to enhance the fibers’ ability to accumulate electrostatic charge. Experimental designs were developed to evaluate the impact of these variables on the quality of the fiber coating. Results indicated that all three parameters significantly affect the flock density and uniformity of the fiber layer. Furthermore, chemical treatment of lignocellulosic fibers was shown to improve their performance in the electrostatic flocking process, highlighting their suitability for advanced functional applications.