The textile industry is constantly evolving, and one of the most exciting advancements is the development of water repellent technologies. These innovations not only enhance the functionality of fabrics but also contribute to sustainability efforts.

What Makes a Fabric Water Repellent?

At its core, a water repellent fabric is designed to resist wetting. When water makes contact with such a fabric, it beads up and rolls off instead of soaking in. This is achieved by altering the surface structure of the textile during the finishing process.

The science behind this phenomenon lies in the critical surface tension of the fibers. By lowering it to about 24 to 30 dynes/cm, the fabric becomes less prone to wetting by water or oil, which typically has a surface tension of 72 dynes/cm. This is where the expertise of companies like Nestor Industries comes into play, utilizing their advanced Fluorocarbon chemical agents to fine-tune the fabric’s properties.

The Role of Fluorocarbon Chemicals

A key character in water repellent finishes is fluorocarbon chemicals. These synthetic compounds, containing PerFluoroAlkyl Residues, are known for their ability to repel water and oil, making them indispensable in the textile industry. Nestor Industries’ product line includes innovative fluorochemicals that enhance the water repellency of textiles without sacrificing breathability.

Carbon–Fluorine Bond Strength:

• • PerFluoroAlkyl Acids exhibit exceptional stability due to the strength of the carbon–fluorine bond, which is one of the strongest in organic chemistry.
  • The electronegativity of fluorine imparts partial ionic character to this bond. Partial charges develop on the carbon and fluorine atoms, resulting in a shortened and reinforced bond compared to carbon-hydrogen bonds.
  • Multiple carbon–fluorine bonds within a molecule enhance the strength and stability of other nearby carbon–fluorine bonds. This occurs because the carbon atom carries a higher positive partial charge.

Additional Properties:

• • Fluorocarbons are colorless and have high density, exceeding that of water.
  • They are not miscible with most organic solvents (such as ethanol, acetone, and chloroform) but can mix with some hydrocarbons (like hexane in certain cases).
  • Their solubility in water is very low, hence it has to be dispersed to make a stable form for application.
  • They are lipophobic, hydrophobic, and non-polar.

Enhanced Durability & Low Surface Energy:

Fluorocarbon chemical coatings are highly durable and maintain their water-repellent properties even after prolonged exposure to harsh environmental conditions. The presence of fluorine atoms gives fluorocarbon a very low surface energy, which means that water and other liquids are less likely to wet the surface of the textile.

For textiles, the use of fluorocarbon in water repellent finishes ensures that the fabric not only repels water effectively but also remains protected against potential damage from environmental exposure. This makes fluorocarbon treated textiles ideal for a wide range of applications, from outdoor apparel to protective covers and technical gear.

Resistance to Stains and Corrosion:

Textiles treated with fluorocarbon chemical finishes exhibit strong resistance to stains and corrosion, which is particularly beneficial for outdoor and technical textiles.

Long-Chain PFAAs (C8):

In the past, water repellents were often based on long-chain PerFluoroAlkyl Acids (PFAAs), specifically C8 chemistry. where the fluorine attached to the 8^th atom. However, concerns arose due to the environmental persistence and potential health risks associated with C8 compounds.

Shorter Chains PFAAs (C6):

To address these concerns, the industry shifted toward shorter PerFluoroAlkyl Acids (PFAAs) chains, commonly referred to as C6 chemistry where the fluorine attached to the 6^th atom.

Environmental Impact:

C6 chemistry is considered less harmful to the environment compared to longer-chain fluorocarbons. It is designed to break down more readily, reducing the potential for bioaccumulations.

Performance:

While C6 treatments are effective at repelling water and stains, they may not be as long-lasting as the previous C8 treatments. However, they still provide significant resistance to moisture and soiling, which is suitable for many textile applications.

Fluorine-Free ( PFC-free ):

C0 chemistry in water repellent applications refers to treatments that are completely free of fluorocarbons. This is a significant development in the textile industry, as it moves away from the use of long-chain fluorocarbons like C6 & C8, which have raised environmental and health concerns due to their persistence and potential to bioaccumulate.

Here’s what you need to know about C0 water repellents:

C0 water repellents do not contain fluorine, making them more environmentally friendly compared to traditional fluorocarbon-based repellents.

Sustainability: These treatments are often based on alternative chemistries, such as hydrocarbons or silicones, and can be derived from renewable sources, contributing to their sustainability.

Performance: While C0 repellents may not offer the same level of durability as fluorocarbon-based finishes, they still provide effective water repellency for many textile applications.

Advantages of PFC-Free Water Repellents:

Environmental Safety: They are designed to minimize environmental impact, as they do not break down into harmful PerFluoroOctanoic Acid (PFOA) or PerFluoroOctaneSulfonic Acid (PFOS).

Fluorocarbon chemical Agent: This is the primary active ingredient that provides water repellency. It should be selected based on the desired balance between performance and environmental impact.

Crosslinking Agent: This component helps to bond the fluorochemical agent to the fabric fibers, enhancing the durability of the finish.

Catalyst: A catalyst is used to facilitate the reaction between the fluorocarbon chemical agent and the crosslinking agent.

Solvent: The solvent carries the active ingredients and helps in the application process. Water or an organic solvent can be used, depending on the formulation requirements.

Nestor Industries has been a good player in delivering water repellent solutions tailored for the textile industry. Their products not only enhance the fabric’s resistance to water but also maintain its breathability and feel. This commitment to innovation positions Nestor Industries as a key player in the future of textile processing.

Hydro Guard N-825 | C6 fluorocarbon-based water and oil repellent

Product Information

Hydro Guard N-825 can be used as an oil-water-stain repellent for cellulosic and their blends. It is suitable for wide range of articles as work wear, outerwear, tent, home furnishing, coating, etc.

Key Features & Benefits

Application

Hydro Guard N-825 Dosage and Application Guidelines:

Dosage Considerations:

The dosage of Hydro Guard N-825 depends on fabric type, construction, test requirements, and machine conditions.

General Recipe Guideline:

Hydro Guard N-825: 30 - 60 gm/lit

ASSIST FU: 5 - 10 gm/lit

Application Process:

Pad-Dry at 110-130°C

Cure at 150-170°C for 30-60 secs.

Properties

Nestoseed-NR | PFC-free durable water repellent

Product Information

Nestoseed-NR is a PFC-free water repellent which gives high durable water repellency to polyester, nylon, cotton and other kind of fabric.

Key Features & Benefits

Application

Nestoseed-NR Dosage and Application Guidelines:

Dosage Considerations:​​​​​​​

The dosage of Nestoseed-NR depends on fabric type, construction, test requirements, and machine conditions.

General Recipe Guideline:

Nestoseed-NR: 50-80 gm/lit

ASSIST NU: 5-10 gm/lit (cross-linker to enhance durability)

Application Process:

Pad-Dry at 110-130°C

Cure at 150-170°C for 30-60 secs.

These guidelines offer a general recipe for the application of Nestoseed-NR, taking into account dosage considerations and specific application conditions. Actual dosage may vary based on factors such as fabric type and construction. The use of ASSIST NU as a cross-linker aims to enhance the durability of the treatment.

 Properties

If any further information required on above you can get in touch with the technical representative of the company or write on below email id,

contact@nestorindustries.com

+91 8306083020 | +91 9377781836

www.nestorindustries.com