Re: How does static guard work?

Chrissy,

The active ingredient in Static Guard [TM Alberto-Culver] is listed on the 
label as Dimethyl Ditallow Ammonium Chloride. Tallow is the rendered fat of 
cattle [mainly beef] used in soapmaking, candles and lubricants. It is a 
mixture, not a pure substance and is unsaturated [contains double bonds]. The 
tallow is a hydrocarbon chain of between 14 and roughly 20 carbon atoms, either 
branched or linear. We can represent the active ingredient as:



          Me
[(CnHx)2- N -]+ Cl-
          Me



14<= n <=20, x as needed, Me=methyl

The primary function of this quaternary ammonium salt is [static] electricity 
conduction and dissipation. An important side benefit is the lubricity it 
confers to the fabric, reducing triboelectric buildup.

Hope this helps

Ken