As a fashionable mass sport, outdoor sports have become a new way of life. As an important part of the functional design of outdoor clothing, waterproof performance has become an important indicator to consider the performance of outdoor clothing.
Fluorocarbons have low surface energy and have good waterproof, antifouling and oil-proof properties. Especially polymers containing 8 fluorinated carbon atoms (C8) side chains have the characteristics of high chemical stability, heat resistance and durability. , and has good washing resistance, especially suitable for waterproofing treatment of textiles. C8 fluorine compounds have been used as waterproof finishing agents in textiles for a long time. After decades of improvement, the quality and performance have become perfect.
1. The end of C8 fluorine series is approaching
The excellent hydrophobicity of C8 fluorine compounds originates from the chemical structure, and there are two main processes to produce fluorinated functionality: electrochemical fluorination process (electrolysis method) and regulated polymerization process (telomerization method). Electrolytic production will produce perfluorooctane sulfonyl compound (PFOS), and telomerization production will produce trace amounts of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which is present in C8 in trace amounts. PFOS is one of the organic pollutants known to be difficult to degrade, and PFOA is suspected to have roughly similar hazards to PFOS. Countries around the world continue to strengthen the supervision of PFOS and PFOA, and C8 fluorine compound functional finishing agents will eventually withdraw from the market.
2. Eco-friendly alternatives
2.1 Short-chain fluorocarbons contain shorter fluoroalkyl side chains (C6) of 6 fluorinated carbon atoms. The main component of C6 is PFHS (perfluorohexane sulfonyl compound or sulfonate), which is an ideal substitute for C8. Short-chain fluorocarbons have been recognized by the EPA, Environment and Health Canada, etc. as acceptable alternatives and are environmentally friendly when used as required. At present, it has entered the commercial use stage and is gradually accepted by downstream users.
There is a big gap between the waterproof effect of C6 and C8, and the cost is much higher than that of C8. For general use only, short chain fluorocarbons provide good finishing results. There are many such finishing agents on the market.
2.2 Fluorine-free waterproof finishing agent
Both dendrimers and silicones are fluorine-free and can be used as alternative solutions to C8. Dendrimer has good wear resistance. The surface of the protective product has been treated with special dendritic polymers, and the finishing agent is evenly distributed. Even if the surface is rubbed, it still has certain waterproof properties. In addition to being waterproof, silicone also gives fabrics excellent softness.
3. The development prospects of new waterproof finishing agents Compared with the C8 fluorine series, short-chain fluorocarbons or fluorine-free waterproof finishing agents have been improved in terms of eco-friendliness to the human body and the environment, but they are still poor in technical indicators such as waterproofness. There are certain deficiencies. In addition, indicators such as washing resistance and bleaching resistance also need to be improved. From the perspective of market acceptance, the price of the new type is much higher than that of traditional C8 fluorine-based finishing agents. However, under the influence of relevant policies, regulations and certification standards in the United States and the European Union, as well as the high attention of brand organizations and consumers such as ZDHC, it is almost certain that the outdoor clothing industry will eventually promote the application of eco-friendly finishing agents in the printing and dyeing industry. universal.
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