Fluorocarbons for Fabric Finishing
Background
Prior to the breakthrough of fluorocarbon polymers, water repellent coatings were only achievable by wax emulsions or silicone applications, both of which were available in water borne emulsions or in solvent solutions. The early developments of fluorocarbons were only available in solvent based solutions, generally hazardous solvents, and of course environmental implications have led to the development of water based fluoropolymer emulsions, which are much safer and easier to handle. The fluoropolymers have outclassed the performance characteristics of silicones and waxes as they are exceptional at performing their functions at much lower levels, thereby reducing volume and cost factors.
A water droplet on a fluorocarbon treated fabric illustrates the high performance that can be achieved-
These fluoropolymers are found worldwide in all manners of areas and applications from automotives, food industry and textiles.
The fluoropolymers utilised within the textile industry vary greatly from manufacturer to manufacturer, depending upon the required end-properties of the product. Texchem's extensive range and knowledge of fluorocarbon water and oil repellents ensures that we have the right product for your requirements.
C6 and C8 Fluoropolymers
Recent concerns over the past few years have highlighted specific products associated with fluoropolymers, namely PFOA and PFOS (Perfluorooctanoic acid and Perfluorooctane Sulphonate, respectively). The Texfin® range of fluoropolymers are produced by the Telomerisation method and do not use PFOS as a starting material, and PFOS is not present in any of our Texfin® products.
PFOA is not used as a starting material; however trace quantities are present at levels of less than 1 ppm (parts per million) in the final Texfin® products. The PFOA is a by-product produced during the manufacturing process and is common to all Telomerisation derived fluorocarbons.
It is understood that whereas PFOS is prohibited (under Oekotex 1000, 2008), PFOA is still acceptable at very low levels. The Texfin® range of water and oil repellent agents that are based on C8 fluoropolymers and contain less than 1 ppm PFOA.
C8 based products are currently under continuing observation from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). C8 fluoropolymers generally contain < 1 ppm PFOA and are classed as bioaccumulative, because of their persistence in the bloodstream for up to 360 hours.
C6 fluoropolymers generally contain < 5 ppb (parts per billion) PFOA and are considered to be non-bioaccumulative as they can dissipate from the bloodstream within 3 – 6 hours.
With the future in mind, Texchem have already developed fluorocarbon technology based on C6 fluoropolymers that do not compromise on technical performance.
We currently have products such as Texfin® C6-D to provide durable water and oil repellency requirements and Texfin® USRC for Soil Release properties on all substrates, with further development studies continually being carried out to enhance our unique product line.
