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Abstract:
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Due to recent scrutiny of perfluorooctainoic acid (PFOA)-containing fluorochemical (FC)
repellent finishes, research was conducted to evaluate the performance of commercially
available alternative to such products. Such products have been shown to be
environmentally persistent and potentially hazardous.
A list of available finishes was compiled and a number of products were selected
for evaluation. Finishes were applied using a pad-dry-cure process, and their
performance was evaluated using industry-approved, standard test methods for oil and
water repellency. Finishes were applied to six fabric substrates, with end uses in the
apparel, home furnishings, and automotive industries.
Results of the work indicate that none of the commercially available products
tested performed at the same level as the traditional, PFOA-containing products. Novel,
short-chain FCs showed the highest level of performance among the alternatives tested.
These were the only products which were able to provide oil repellency. Silicone and
hydrocarbon wax products were also evaluated and showed varying levels of
performance.
Short-term and long-term durability to home laundering of the finishes were
evaluated. Hydrocarbon wax products showed the poorest durability of the finish types
tested. None of the alternative products tested were found to have the same level of
durability as the traditional FC finishes. Influence of isocyanate and melamineformaldehyde
crosslinking resins was found to be fabric specific, showing significant
benefit on cotton substrates.
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