Clariant launches fluorine-free water repellent

SINGAPORE: Clariant launches fluorine-free water repellent

By Petah Marian | 26 June 2012

Clairant has launched a fluorine-free water repellent called Arkophob FFR for the outdoor gear and equipment markets.

The company said the new agent is the first to bring together fluorine-free chemistry and long-lasting high water repellence performance.

It claims that Arkophob FFR is gentler to the environment, and its performance is "unmatched" by equivalent fluorine-free free products available on the market.

Clariant said that it offers water repellency levels close to C6 fluorochemicals, and that users do not need to iron products after laundering to recover their water repellency.

It has a wash resistance of more than 20 washes and has a better resistance to abrasion and tear, which leads to better sewability.

The technology can be applied to fabrics used in a wide range of outdoor, leisure and sportswear applications.

"Clariant's Textile Chemicals is committed to develop products and processes that are safer and gentler for the consumer and for the environment; and with Arkophob FFR we have achieved that, plus a leap forward in performance," said Clariant Chemicals head of product group finishing Georg Lang.

"We perfected the Arkophob FFR technology over several years, to ensure we were able to introduce a differentiated solution that delivers what it promises to retailers and brands. Arkophob FFR confirms our position as a forerunner in sustainability that works."

Sectors: Fibres & fabrics, Technology