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Application of Teflon in Fabric Protection

Written by: Sarita Sharma

Quality of a fabric for clothing depends on a great extent on aesthetic, durability and
comfort aspect. While aesthetic & comfort performance is a desirable in clothing, utility
is the key requirement in fabric. New technologies are having dramatic effect on textiles,

retailers are trying to distinguish their products from others, & to give a value added
feature to their fashions by means of technical fibers & finishing. For example,
manufacturers are starting to treat their clothing with Teflon fabric protector.

What is Teflon?

Generally, the coating that makes cooking utensils non-sticky is called Teflon.
Scientifically, it is trade name for a solid, chemically inert polymer of
Tetrafluroethylene (CF2CF2) - It is colorless. Odorless, flouroplastic which has m.w.
of 30000, it stable up to 300C .The following properties are typical of PTFE.

PTFE Properties

Value

Tenacity g/d

Elongation (%)

25

Limiting Oxygen Index

95

Chemical Resistance

Excellent

Friction coefficient

0.2

Operating Temperature

500

PTFE form

Application

Needle Felt

Hot Gas filtration release fabrics,

conveyor belts, mechanical rubber goods.

Wet-laid nonwoven

Gasket Tape Battery, separators, heat

shields, liquid filters.

Membrane

Filtration

The Teflon trademark was registered in 1945. The Teflon flouro polymer family
consists of PTFE, (the original resin), FEP, (introduced in 1960), Tefzel ETFE
(introduced in 1970) & PFA (in 1972).

Some Facts

PTFE fluoropolymer resin is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the
worlds most slippery substance. So, it is a non-stick substance.

It is resistant to most of the chemicals like NH 3, H2So4, HCL, Acetic Acid,

Chlorine, and Ozone. The only chemicals known to affect their coating are molten
alkali metals & highly reactive fluorinating agents.

Very few solid substances will permanently adhere to a Teflon coating, while
tacky materials may show some adhesion, & almost all substance release easily.

It has excellent electrical properties making it suitable for use as an insulator in

cables & connector assemblies.

It has been involved in the U.S. Space Programme. The moon module included
several applications of Teflon including space suits & blankets, heat shields &
insulation.

Light bulbs are shatter proof due to a Teflon coating.

It is used to protect the statue of liberty.

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Uses of Teflon

It is used in computer chip manufacturing because it is very Inert & non reactive. It is
used in filters to keep air clean, in chip carriers. As a fiber, it is used to manufacture
socks that reduce friction & blisters. These are useful for diabetics, people with
circulatory problems, obesity & sensitive skin. It is used to insulate data communication
cables, due to its outstanding heat & chemical resistance. Teflon industrial coatings can
be used on carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, steel alloys, brass & magnesium, as
well as non-metallic such as glass, fiberglass, rubber & plastics.
The versatility of these coatings allows almost unlimited application to a wide variety of
products like wiper blades & refills, belts, nail enamels, bicycle lubricants. It is
hydrophobic & oleophileic. So, as a liquid Teflon repels water & stains for the apparel,
home furnishing. It is used as apparel & accessory fabrics, upholstery, bedding & home
fabric, technical & outdoor fabrics.

Teflon Fabric Protector

Consumers demand performance benefits in almost all of the products they purchase.
And stain protection is one of the top desired performance benefits in apparel. Unlike
traditional stain protection the new Teflon fabric protector provides superior washout
of dirt & stains, eliminating the worry of permanent, costly damage. It prevents soil
deposition during laundering, preserving fabrics looks. Since it is hydrophilic, it
provides moisture management means moisture can be absorbed quickly & moisture
wicking is there. In addition, it works all without changing the weight, look, feel, color,
breathability of fabric.

How it works

Teflon fabric protector provides a invisible molecular barrier around the fiber this
barrier lowers the critical surface tension of a fabric enabling it to repel liquids, either
bead up & roll off or easily wiped & dry soil can be brushed off. Because it is built in,
Teflon retains its durability after dozens of laundering & cleaning, so, when soiled &
stained garments are put into the wash after heavy use

Stains & soil are effectively released from the fabric.

The soil is held in the wash liquid & is not redoposited on the fabric.

Moisture moves through the fabric to keep cool & dry.

Protection that suits you

Teflon fabric protector performs equally well with wool, silk, cotton, rayon, microfiber
& blends by their new innovations
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1. New advanced Teflon fabric protector with repel & release technology -

This is equally effective on hot & difficult liquids, as well as ground in & oil based stains.
Liquid spills bead up & any residue can be easily wiped away or blotted with a cloth.
Some technology release ground in stains during laundering, preventing them from
becoming permanent.

2. New Teflon fabric protector with moisture management & stain release & repel
technology -

In this type, hydrophilic stain release technology combines the benefits of durable stain
protection with moisture management. It not only release dirt & stains but also prevent
fabrics from reabsorbing soil during washing, moisture quickly absorbs thorough the
fabric & wicks away; leaving cool & dry fabrics.

3. New & Improved Teflon fabric protector with extended durability -

They are ideal for fabrics that must maintain performance after repeated laundering,
harsh commercial cleaning or prolonged exposure to elements. Because it is built-in, it
offers unmatched durability through everyday use.

4. New & Improved Teflon fabric protector with wrinkle resistance -

This technology combines the durable easy care properties with wrinkle resistant
benefits of better wash & wears performances, fewer wrinkles during wear, less ironing
after washing & improved crease recovery.

Ideal Uses Teflon fabric protector is perfect for a wide range of application Khakis, shirts, knits,
work wear, school uniforms, childrens apparel, outerwear, linens, sports apparel, and
accessories like hat, belts, umbrella, handbags, and gloves.

Conclusion -

In today's world looking good is very important, it is not surprising that consumer
demand performance benefits in almost all which look & feel new after several uses,
with minimal maintenance.

References -

1.

www.teflon.com

2.

www2.dupont.com/India_Country_Site/.../News_30Oct2009.html

3.

www.ehow.com Fashion & Style

4.

advantagesteam.com/Services/FabricandFiberProtection.aspx

4.

www.wisegeek.org/what-is-teflon.htm

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