The cleaning principles of cleaning polyester swabs are mainly based on the following aspects

Physical adsorption

• The fiber surface of the polyester swab has a certain degree of roughness and micro – structures. When the swab comes into contact with the surface to be cleaned, these micro – structures can provide a large specific surface area, generating van der Waals forces between the swab and dirt. Van der Waals forces are weak intermolecular forces that can make dirt particles attach to the fiber surface of the swab. For example, when cleaning tiny dust particles on the surface of electronic devices, the polyester swab adsorbs the dust onto its fibers through van der Waals forces, achieving a cleaning effect.

Capillary action

• There are many tiny gaps between the polyester fibers, and these gaps form structures similar to capillaries. When the swab touches a surface with liquid dirt, the liquid dirt will be sucked into the fiber gaps under the action of capillary action. For example, when cleaning fingerprint oil stains on the surface of optical lenses, the grease components in the oil stains will be absorbed by the fibers of the polyester swab under the action of capillary action, thereby removing the oil stains from the lens surface.

Friction

• During the wiping process, a certain amount of friction is generated between the polyester swab and the surface to be cleaned. This friction can help to loosen and remove dirt particles on the surface. Especially for some stubborn dirt, such as dried stains or sticky substances, the frictional action can make them more easily fall off from the surface and be carried away by the swab. For example, when cleaning rust on metal surfaces, through moderate wiping friction, the rust can be gradually removed by the swab.

Electrostatic adsorption

• Polyester materials are prone to generate static electricity during contact and friction with other objects. When the polyester swab approaches dirt particles with opposite charges, electrostatic adsorption occurs, causing the dirt particles to be attracted to the swab. For example, when cleaning some plastic surfaces that are prone to static electricity, the electrostatic adsorption of the polyester swab can effectively capture and remove dust, hair, and other debris on the surface.

Chemical compatibility and solubility

• Polyester has a certain degree of chemical stability, but it can also interact with some common cleaning agents and solvents. When an appropriate cleaning agent is used in combination with a polyester swab, the cleaning agent can dissolve or decompose certain components of the dirt, making it easier for the swab to remove. For example, for some oily dirt, a cleaning agent containing an organic solvent can be used. With the combined action of the polyester swab and the cleaning agent, the oil dirt can be better removed because the polyester swab itself will not be dissolved or damaged by these organic solvents, and at the same time, the cleaning effect can be enhanced by the dissolving ability of the solvent.

Cleaning polyester swabs achieve effective cleaning of different types of dirt through the synergy of various physical and chemical effects, and play important roles in multiple fields such as electronics, medical care, and optics.