Fluorine-free waterproofing agent is a general term for various types of waterproofing agents that do not contain fluoride. The disadvantage of this type of fabric waterproofing agent is that it does not have oil-proof properties and cannot be used for the “waterproof, oil-proof, and anti-fouling” three-proof finishing of textiles. However, Because it is environmentally friendly, fluorine-free, and has excellent waterproof performance, more and more fabric factories, brands, and clothing companies are more inclined to use fluorine-free waterproofing agents for single waterproof finishing of fabrics.
Early fluorine-free waterproofing agents were mainly waxes, metal soaps, hydroxymethyl, pyridine, etc. This type of fluorine-free waterproof finishing agent has been gradually eliminated from the market due to poor waterproof performance, easy discoloration, poor water resistance, or the release of formaldehyde, hydrogen chloride and other harmful substances. At present, the common fluorine-free waterproofing agents on the market mainly include six categories: paraffin, silicone, acrylate, polyurethane and dendrimers.
1. Paraffin wax
As a traditional waterproofing agent, paraffin wax has been used for a long time. Paraffin wax waterproofing agents are characterized by average waterproofing effect and large slippage. When used alone, they are rarely used for waterproofing finishing of textiles. They are generally compounded with acrylic acid to improve their performance. The compounded paraffin + acrylic fluorine-free waterproofing agent has better hand feel and durable waterproofing effect, and the fabric has high versatility.
2. Silicone
Silicone fluorine-free waterproofing agents were used in the 1950s, but were later dominated by fluorine-containing waterproofing agents. The siloxane structure in this type of fluorine-free waterproofing agent has lower surface tension and can give fabrics better waterproofing Performance, the fabric after waterproof finishing is soft to the touch, has less hand scratches, and has less discoloration.
3. Acrylic
Unmodified acrylic resin has problems such as easy discoloration of processed fabrics and hard hand feel. The improved acrylic fluorine-free waterproofing agent has excellent waterproof performance and processing stability, has certain washability, and is cost-effective.
4. Polyurethane
Polyurethane fluorine-free waterproofing agents are characterized by good overall performance. Polyurethane can form a very soft film, improve the water-repellent performance and washing resistance of the finished fabrics, and improve hand scratching marks after finishing. Some polyurethane fluorine-free waterproofing agents are used in webbing. , The waterproof finishing of shoe materials can also show excellent anti-siphon performance.
5. Dendrimers
Dendritic macromolecular polymers use multifunctional monomers. By introducing protective groups and deprotecting them, they control the orderly growth of the polymer and form a highly regular polymer. Compared with linear analogs, the physical and chemical properties of dendrimers are significantly enhanced, such as molecules that are not easily entangled, high surface properties, low viscosity, high reactivity, and high solubility.
In terms of water-repellent finishing of textiles, hydrocarbons are combined with hydrophobic dendrimers to introduce hydrophobic groups to the surface of dendrimers, thereby reducing the surface tension of the polymer and making it It gives the fabric better waterproof properties, as well as good washability and hand feel.
Suzhou Leman Polymer Technology Co., Ltd. focuses on the R&D and production of textile functional finishing agents. It has a senior R&D team and rich application experience. It can customize personalized functional finishing solutions according to fabric characteristics and development needs. For functional development consultation and technical exchange of various textiles, please leave a message via email: info@lemanpolymer.cn
Post time: Jan-07-2024