In recent years, more and more textile fabric manufacturers have chosen to waterproof their fabrics. Waterproofing agent is an indispensable functional auxiliary agent for waterproofing textile fabrics, which can effectively improve the waterproof performance of fabrics.
Today I will introduce to you a high content special modified silicone fluorine-free waterproofing agent
As an environmentally friendly textile finishing agent, modified silicone fluorine-free waterproofing agent has been widely used in textile, leather, outdoor products and other fields in recent years. Its core advantage lies in the introduction of functional groups or nanomaterials into the silicone molecular structure through chemical modification technology, thereby significantly improving the waterproof performance and durability while maintaining the fluorine-free and environmentally friendly characteristics. The following is a detailed analysis from four dimensions: technical principles, performance characteristics, application fields and development trends:
One. Technical Principle and Modification Mechanism
The core technology of modified silicone fluorine-free waterproofing agent lies in the introduction of active groups such as long-chain alkyl, amino, epoxy, etc. into the silicone molecular chain through chemical modification, or hybridization with inorganic materials such as nano-silicon dioxide (SiO2). For example:
Long-chain alkyl modification: By introducing long-chain alkyl of C12-C18, the surface tension is reduced to form a hydrophobic layer similar to the lotus leaf effect.
Nano-SiO2 hybridization: The nano-SiO2 particles are compounded with silicone emulsion, and the super hydrophobicity and high specific surface area of the nanoparticles are used to enhance the compactness and wear resistance of the waterproof film.
Cross-linking modification: Through cross-linking agents such as isocyanate, the silicone molecules form a three-dimensional network structure on the fiber surface to improve the water washing resistance.
Two. Performance characteristics
Environmental protection: It does not contain perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), complies with EU REACH regulations and ZDHC (zero discharge of hazardous chemicals) standards, and is suitable for textiles exported to the European and American markets.
Waterproof performance: The initial contact angle can reach more than 130°, the static waterproof level is 4-5 (AATCC 22 standard), and the dynamic waterproof performance is excellent (such as simulated rainstorm test).
Durability: After 50 home washes, the waterproof level can still be maintained above level 3 (ISO 6330 standard), which is better than traditional paraffin waterproof agents.
Hand feel and breathability: After modification, the original feel of the fabric is not affected, and the breathability is maintained (water vapor permeability ≥5000 g/m²·24h), which is suitable for sportswear, underwear and other close-fitting clothing.
Compatibility: It can be used in the same bath with functional additives such as antistatic agents and antibacterial agents, and is suitable for multifunctional finishing.
Three. Application fields
Textile industry:
Outdoor clothing: products that require high waterproofness and durability, such as jackets and tents.
Home textiles: textiles that need to be stain-resistant and easy to clean, such as curtains and sofa covers.
Industrial fabrics: materials that need to be both waterproof and breathable, such as medical protective clothing and car interiors.
Leather industry: used for waterproof and stain-resistant finishing of shoe uppers and sofa leather to improve leather durability.
Other fields:
Paper waterproofing: such as waterproofing of wrapping paper and map paper.
Building materials: waterproof and moisture-proof treatment of concrete and stone.
Four. Development Trends
Composite modification technology: Further improve waterproof performance and wear resistance through the blending modification of silicone with polymers such as polyurethane and acrylate.
Low-temperature cross-linking technology: Develop waterproofing agents that can be cross-linked at low temperatures of 100-120°C, which are suitable for the finishing of heat-sensitive fibers (such as polyester and spandex).
Bio-based modification: Use renewable resources (such as plant oil-based silane) to replace some petroleum-based raw materials to reduce carbon footprint.
Intelligent responsiveness: Develop waterproofing agents with temperature and pH responsiveness to achieve adjustable waterproof performance.
Five. Typical product cases
Skysoft® RT749: High-content specially modified silicone emulsion, suitable for pure cotton, chemical fiber and blended fabrics, with excellent machine wash resistance.
ZJ-MS330: Silicone fluorine-free waterproof agent developed by Zhuangjie Chemical, with excellent anti-siphon and anti-splashing properties, and does not affect the breathability of the fabric.
Inorganic nano-SiO₂ hybrid silicone waterproof agent: Nano-SiO₂ is compounded with silicone through patented technology to achieve a waterproof level of 4-5 after 10 washes.
Product features
Durable waterproof effect
Machine washable
Easily soluble in water
No yellowing, can be used to treat sensitive textiles
Does not contain alkylphenols, more environmentally friendly
Six. Challenges and Countermeasures
Cost issue: The price of modified silicone fluorine-free waterproofing agent is usually 20-30% higher than that of fluorine-containing waterproofing agent. The cost can be reduced through large-scale production and technical optimization.
Process adaptability: The finishing process (such as padding, spraying, and baking conditions) needs to be optimized for different fiber types (such as cotton, polyester, and nylon).
Performance balance: While improving waterproofness, it is necessary to take into account the feel, breathability, and washability, and avoid excessive finishing that causes fabric stiffness.
