Posted here on Eco-Textile News
MUNICH – [01.08.08] In close
collaboration with Sympatex Technologies, Rudolf Chemie has developed what it
claims is the first durable fluorocarbon-free water repellent (DWR) treatment
for performance textiles and clothing.
The new environmentally-friendly
‘Bionic Finish Eco’ has been used in the new ‘Air 37°C’ high-performance soft
shell jacket from the Swedish outdoor brand Lundhags.
Sympatex claims that the new
fluorocarbon-free finish has achieved a breakthrough in terms of hydrophobic
treatment for sustainable functional clothing. It is said to be simultaneously
water- and dirt-repellent and free from organic halogens and fully recyclable.
Lundhags has applied the new ‘Bionic
Finish Eco’ in conjunction with Sympatex membranes. These fabric membranes are
pore-less which makes them waterproof and windproof yet the design means they
are breathable and comfortable to wear. “Because they have no pores, they
cannot become blocked by residual washing agents, dirt or salt crystals,” says
Sympatex.
The addition of the new
fluorocarbon-free DWR coating is said to offer previously-unknown durability.
As a result, clothing with the new finish doesn’t have to be ironed after
washing in order to refresh its effectiveness. Breathability is also said to be
retained, since the finish does not contain paraffin.
Previously, fluorocarbon-free
finishes suffered from lack of durability, but the new technology from Rudolf
Chemie is said to solve these earlier problems.
The term ‘Bionic’ for the new finish
is taken from a combination of biology and technology. The molecular structure
of the new DWR finish resembles the branch structure of trees to achieve a
greater density and improve surface area to volume ratios. These hyper-branched
polymers or so-called ‘dendrimers’ are said to help enormously with the build
up of an effective water-repellent fabric and tend to create their own form of
organization and build up crystalline structures at the nano level, due to
their net-like structure.
“This invisible flexible structure
is water-repellent, highly wear-resistant and holds up under washing,” said the
company.
Sympatex says that its new ‘ECO’ line is made from a polyester-polyether combination, and is thus 100% recyclable.
Copyright © 2008 Mowbray Communications Ltd
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