Global textile brand specifiers can now equip their sports and recreation apparel with both excellent water repellency and improved softness - and do so without the use of fluorine, solvents or alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEO).

Dow Corning's DWR-7000 Soft Hydro Guard is a silicon-based technology emulsion. It not only provides excellent water repellency but also imparts premium softness to most textile substrates, particularly cellulosic and blends. The water repellency imparted has shown to be durable after 30 home laundry wash times, which is equal to, or better than, that imparted by standard fluorocarbon water repellent finishing systems in the market. "Leading brand apparel companies are looking for innovative water repellency technologies that can provide eco-friendly solutions for their garment without sacrificing comfort," said Ms Joanna Giovanoli, marketing manager, Dow Corning Textiles. "With the help of Dow Corning DWR-7000 Soft Hydro Guard, the brands are able to create apparel designed for wet weather. In contrast to current fluorocarbon technologies, silicon-based emulsions contain no fluorine, solvents or APEOs (alkylphenol ethoxylate). Silicones used in this product exhibit no adverse toxicological effects or evidence of bioaccumulation and have no effects on soil-living species or on crop growth."

Along with excellent durability, Dow Corning DWR-7000 Soft Hydro Guard also provides very good stability and compatibility with most textile auxiliaries. It requires no heat reactivation or additional performance extenders, softeners and lubricants.

Fernando Vazquez, Dow Corning Global Applications Manager, presented this new product at the AATCC 2012 International Conference held recently.