Dow Corning and Devan launch new FR additive
Silicones supplier for the textile sector Dow Corning Corporation has joined forces with Devan Chemicals to develop a new additive to treat flame-retardant textiles.
Dow Corning DS-9000 Eco Repel is an eco-friendly multifunctional encapsulated silicone additive for technical textiles. The technology allows apparel manufacturers to increase softness and hydrophobicity on existing flame-retardant finishes without impacting flame retardancy.
“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, Dow Corning’s global textiles marketing manager. “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.”
The new product is formaldehyde-free and formulated with a low amount of surfactants to reduce environmental impact.
