Midland, Mich.-based Dow Corning Corp., a supplier of silicone products for textile applications,
and Belgium-based Devan Chemicals, a manufacturer of niche chemicals for textile applications, have
co-developed Dow Corning® DS-9000 Eco Repel, a multifunctional encapsulated silicone additive for
technical textiles. The product was designed to increase softness and hydrophobicity on
flame-retardant (FR) finishes, without affecting the FR properties of the fabric.
Features and reported benefits of DS-9000 Eco Repel include: a low-surfactant formula for
reduced environmental impact; formaldehyde-free recipe; compatibility with fluorocarbons and FR
chemicals; and a silica shell encapsulated silicone fluid construction suitable for multifunctional
formulations.
The primary end-use applications for the softener include mattress ticking, tenting, canvas,
upholstery and protective clothing. The product is suitable for use as a water-repellent silicone
additive for textile FR finishes, as a softener for FR fabric finishing formulations and as a
softener additive for fluorocarbon-containing formulations.
“Most current flame-retardant chemicals negatively impact the softness of the textile leading
to very harsh fabrics, which then become uncomfortable-to-wear garments,” said Jenny Geng, global
textiles marketing manager, Dow Corning. “Moreover, the material type predominantly used in textile
multifunctional treatment additives for flame retardancy contains fluorocarbon derivatives, which
arouse increasing concerns of safety and environmental issues.”
June 17, 2009