Comparative study of repellent finishes based on C6 and C8 chemistry on cotton fabric

The present study aims at exploring the various aspects that contribute to an effective and reliable automobile seat cover by using heavy GSM textile fabric, rather than rexine/leather which gives water repellency, anticrease and softness. An attempt has been made to analyse the effects of repellents based on C6 and C8 chemistry on cotton fabric. Along with this, anticrease agent, silicone softener and catalyst are used to bring in multi-functionality to the material. The conventional perfluorocarbon used for fluid-repellent finish is based on C8 chemistry and is an established process but the chemical is highly persistent in environment while the C6 are far less bio-accumulative. To compare the effectiveness between the two, exhaustive trials are taken with varying concentration, curing time and temperature. A modified dimethyloldihydroxy ethylene urea based cross-linker is co applied along with softener in the same bath as that of the repellent finish by pad-drycure technique. Box-Behnken response surface design of experiment has been used to study the individual and interactive effects of process parameters in terms of water vapour permeability and crease recovery. The impact of finish on the whiteness is also measured. The strength loss measurement, scanning electron micrographs and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) have been carried out for selected samples. Fluorine retention on fabric is established by the EDX tests. Wash durability for C6 ones is found to be comparable to that of C8, thus showing the former a sustainable alternative.