As demand for fluorine-free alternatives grows, AGC Chemicals Americas, Inc. (AGCCA) and Dryfiber have developed a breakthrough in textile coatings. Together, using exclusive chemistry originating at Cornell University, the two companies have launched FibraLAST—the first polymeric textile coating that repels both oil and water without using fluorinated materials. It is also resistant to isopropyl alcohol.
“The new FibraLAST product can be used in the same way as existing methods for textile coatings to provide water- and oil-repellency. Instead of requiring mills or finishers to make process changes or the purchase of new equipment, this technology will fit into current processes while providing unique performance properties for a non-fluorinated coating,” explained Jay Sacci, Technical Service Chemist at AGCCA.
FibraLAST forms a microscopically rough texture on textiles, acting as a chemical barrier that causes water, oil, and other fluids to bead up, making cleaning easier. While fluorinated coatings have been the industry standard for such performance, non-fluorinated alternatives have struggled to meet similar functional criteria—until now.
“Existing non-fluorinated repellents are not able to achieve the surface energy necessary to repel low-surface-tension liquids like oils. As far as we know, FibraLAST is the only product of its kind on the market. Our collaboration with Dryfiber has enabled us to engineer a truly unique technology,” added Sacci.
AGCCA is already conducting mill trials with several customers. “Production is currently in scale-up mode and is expected to be fully commercial in the coming months,” said Sacci.
The product is suitable for dip or industrial spray coating across a wide array of applications including industrial fabrics, upholstery, filters, and textiles used in automotive, marine, and medical sectors. FibraLAST is available in cationic and non-ionic grades to suit synthetic, woven, nonwoven, and natural textiles.