Glossary
Abrasive Charge
The abrasive charges are selected according to their required characterists, added in greater or lesser quantities depending on the desired abrasivness. This sharp mineral substance is able to grip particles of a material using friction.
The final abrasiveness of a material depends on:
- the type of abrasive chosen
- the quantity of abrasive charges introduced into the material.
Binder/Agglomerate
An agglomerate that creates a uniform, solid, or cohesive consistency.
It ensures:
- blending and cohesion of fibers
- adhesion of the abrasive grains to the cloth strip
The different binders commonly used are the following:
- latex
- phenolic resin.
Branca abrasion
Characteristic of a substance that wears out the parts in mechanical contact with it. Abrasion tests verify the ability of a scouring pad to clean a piece of metal.
This abrasion test measures the loss of material in mg of aluminum according to a determined number of rotations of the abrasive on an aluminum plate.
Cellulose
Cellulose is an organic, therefore a natural substance, contructed from plant-based materials and has remarkable strength.
Spontex Professional sponges are 100% plant based and have an absorbency of 20 times the dry weight, 10 times more than a sponge made using other materials.
Our Azella sponges are available dry or wet, compressed (initial volume reduced by more than 95%) formats.
Durability (Test of)
The durability test, measures the resistance against friction by the number of cycles required to pierce the product being tested.
Eco-Design
Eco-design refers to the integration of environmental criteria from
the design phase of a product in order to improve its environmental
performance throughout its life cycle, while maintaining its
qualities of use and performance.
Fibre
A fibre is a very fine material; its fineness is determined by its size and nature. The size of the fibre is defined by the weight/length ratio. The unit is the decitex: it corresponds to the weight in grams per 10 kilometers of yarn (1dtex = 1g/10km).
Textile fibres can be classified according to their nature: natural or of chemical origin.
Hardness
Refers to a surface that is resistant to abrasion.
Microfibre
Textile fibre whose fineness gives the fabrics that are manufactured from it remarkable mechanical qualities.
Fibre characterised Microfibres by their structure and their specific size. A microfibre is a fibre that weighs less than 1 gram per 10 km of thread length. Microfibres are finer than natural fibres, among the smallest (e.g. silk fiber). For most microfibres, the diametre is less than 5 microns.
Due to their small structure and enormous capillary force, microfibres are able to penetrate the most difficult parts of the surfaces to be cleaned. Once split, they have spikes going in all directions, which promotes contact with the surface to be cleaned, and significantly increases the absorption of dirt by the microfibre.
Natural latex
Natural latex offers exceptional flexibility and elasticity. Natural latex gloves fit the shape of the hand, thus preserving the dexterity and comfort of the user.
This polymer offers good mechanical performance even in low thicknesses; it is particularly resistant to tearing .
It also offers good resistance to many acids, bases, alcohols and ketones.
Finally, it has the advantage of remaining flexible in cold environments.
However, the proteins in natural latex can, in some rare cases, cause allergic reactions. We would then recommend the use of synthetic materials for sensitised individuals. In this case, choose a glove made of nitrile or polychloroprene
It should be noted that natural latex is not recommended in contact with oils, greases, petroleum products, strong oxidizing acids and aromatic and chlorinated solvents. Natural latex can also show degradation following prolonged exposure to light, UV or ozone.
Non-woven
A non-woven fabric is a web of natural and/or synthetic fibres bonded by mechanical, chemical or thermal action.
Spontex Professional’s expertise is based on the manufacture of openwork non-wovens (see the wiping range) and resin non-wovens (see the scouring range).
Non-woven abrasive
Non-woven abrasive is composed of three main elements, and a fourth technically minor one, which are incorporated during the manufacturing process: recycled synthetic fiber, abrasive charges, binder and color pigment.
Pigment
Pigment provides a visual means of identifying and recognizing the abrasive/aggressive strength of the scouring cloths. The darker the colour, the more abrasive the finished product.
Scrubbing (test)
The scrubbing tests the ability of a scouring pad to remove dirt attached to a surface, for a given period of time.
Taber abrasion
This abrasion test measures the loss of material in mg of aluminum according to a determined number of rotations of aluminum rollers on the abrasive.