New waterproof leather treatment technology helps develop green fluorine-free textiles

Today, with the ever-increasing quality of life, the functional requirements for leather products are getting higher and higher. Leather is a complex of collagen fibers and tinctures and other chemical products, and has strong hydrophilicity. Therefore, leather products will exhibit poor adaptability and weather resistance unless they are subjected to water repellent treatment.

The waterproof treatment of ordinary leather surfaces is generally accomplished by a finishing process, and the water repellent finish used is mainly composed of a siloxane-based polymer or a fluorine-containing acrylate-based polymer. Perfluorocarbon (PFC) is a commonly used chemical in the waterproof leather industry. It forms a dense fluorinated surface on the leather surface. Its extremely low surface makes it difficult to get water or oil, and the treated leather. While having waterproof and oil-repellent properties, it can maintain the natural texture, and still has good gas permeability and soft hand feeling.

However, the monomeric perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonyl compound (PFOS), which are fluorine-containing water repellents, are potential carcinogens that cause harm to human health and the environment. According to the survey, 49% of consumers believe that the waterproof product does not contain PFC is an important purchase focus.

To meet consumer and brand needs, HeiQ responded with an eco-drying line of PFC-free products. This time, in cooperation with DuPont, the product line has been expanded to introduce the first PFC-free leather waterproofing agent called HeiQ DuPont ECO-LED. It is reported that Wolverine World Wide Leathers, Inc. will be the first supplier of leather that has been treated with this water repellent to its major brand partners.

Suzanne Johnson, vice president of sales and marketing at Wolverine, said: "At present, many PFC-free waterproof garments are already available, and consumers are looking for other technologies for leather waterproofing agents. Our high-performance pig nubuck leather Combined with HeiQ DuPont ECO-LED fluorine-free water-repellent for leather, it meets the needs of consumers and provides our brand partners with eco-friendly products."