Stain Repellent Fluorine Free Car Interior Textiles

Purpose and goal

The aim of the project has been to find and evaluate suitable environmentally friendly chemical formulations in combination with different textile structures to achieve dirt repellent vehicle textiles. This combination of technologies represents a new approach to replace the conventional fluorinated chemical substances commonly found in vehicle textiles. The overall project´s objective has been fulfilled: to demonstrate the new concept in full production and through quality tests to show full performance, in relation to conventional solutions.

Expected results and effects

The most important result of the project is industrially developed non-fluorinated textile prototypes with good liquid repellent properties for vehicle interiors. The work has provided knowledge about the various parameters that control dirt repellence of textiles. These insights can form the basis for further development and rapid implementation of the technologies in other types of industries and products, including functional clothing and furniture. In the longer term, the effects of the project will thus be reduced supply of fluorinated chemicals to nature.

Planned approach and implementation

An initial study of suitable and available chemical technologies was conducted. The most realistic alternatives were applied to different types of vehicle textiles, with different structures at fiber, yarn and material level. The process conditions were optimized in both lab and full scale. Plasma technology and chemical application through a new spray method were evaluated to complement the main focus of the project, with aim to enhance the liquid repellent effect and reduce the amount of chemicals overall. The plan laid down in proposal has also been implemented in practice.