A direct charging electrostatic flocking method is provided for the
fabrication of a fibrous structure. Fibers are deposited directly on a
first electrically conductive surface while a second electrically
conductive surface with an adhesive thereon is disposed over the first
surface. A vacuum is created in the space between the first electrically
conductive surface and the second electrically conductive surface. The
vacuum is then filled with sulfur hexafluoride gas. An electric field is
generated between the first and second electrically conductive surfaces.
The fibers leave the first electrically conductive surface, accelerate
through the electric field and sulfur hexafluoride gas, and are coupled
on one end thereof to the adhesive. As a result of using sulfur
hexafluoride rather than air there is an increase in fiber density of the
fibrous structure.