Posted here on Eco-Textile News
MICHIGAN – [07.24.08] Dow Corning
has introduced a new silicone-based fabric softener for the textile industry
which is virtually free of volatile organic compounds but retains all the
properties of fluorocarbon-treated fabrics.
The new ‘OP-8800 premium hydrophilic
softener’, is said to be a next-generation technology that helps formulators
meet the needs of an increasingly demanding textile market by delivering
finishes that provide a more environmentally sustainable and safer solution.
One of the major causes of air
pollution in the textile industry occurs when heat-curing or drying of coatings
and finishes causes the vaporisation of organic compounds. Because VOCs can
harm the environment and human health, some governments are drawing up and
passing stringent air quality regulations to limit VOC emissions. Dow Corning
says that OP-8800 Softener helps to mitigate these problems because it is
nearly 100% composed of a novel silicone copolymer, virtually eliminating VOCs
from its composition, whereas other silicone products can contain up to 300g/l
of VOCs.
“OP-8800 Softener is an extremely
well-balanced, more environmentally sound, safer, multifunctional product that
delivers a unique combination of benefits over a wide range of conditions,”
said Fernando Vazquez, Dow Corning Americas Textiles Technical Leader. “We
think it’s about as close to an ‘ideal’ silicone as any that’s ever been
developed by Dow Corning for textile finishing applications.”
Importantly, the company says the
new finish performs well and its own testing reveals the OP-8800 Softener
offers excellent softness, water absorbency, and wicking, with minimum to no
impact on original substrate whiteness and the stain-release properties of
fluorocarbon-treated textiles. “OP-8800 Softener outperforms conventional
silicone hydrophilic softeners on several key features,” claims Dow Corning.
The company also says that testing
shows that microemulsions made with this product are high-shear and high-pH
stable, and even compatible with anionic treatments.
Copyright © 2008 Mowbray Communications Ltd
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