PFC-free Durable Water-repellent finish with recycled cellulose

The key component of durable water repellent (DWR) finishes typically relied on the unique water and oil repellent properties of long-chain perfluoroalkyl groups. However, in recent years, researchers have realized the environmental and health risk posed by PFCs. Many countries have banned the use of PFC-based materials in DWR textiles and are actively looking for alternatives. The focus of this study is the application of recycled material to develop a kind of DWR surface finish for textiles. Previously, HKRITA has successfully developed a hydrothermal technology that can efficiently separate polyester and cotton from the collected fabric blends. Recycled cellulose powders obtained from hydrothermal treatment can be converted to high value DWR surface finish via hydrophobic modification processes. In addition to durable water-repellent properties, the DWR surface finish will also possess photocatalysts-facilitated soil release function.