Bionic is the future, Nano was yesterday

Products or finishes with nano particles for water and soil-repellent textile finishing were introduced as something completely new in the recent past. These products contain eg SiO₂ nano particles, which are to create nano-scale surface structures on textiles. From a scientific point of view, nano particles are surely very interesting so that a transfer to the textile sector is obvious. However, the effect level of these “new“ products is not higher than of already known, conventional finishes. In addition, features such as fabric handle, resistance to washing and abrasion are very important when used in the clothing sector. If surface structures are created by means of particles, the handle and characteristics of textiles will distinctly deteriorate. Furthermore, slightest mechanical stress by abrasion (eg due to carrying a rucksack or washing) destroys the water and oil-repellent effects of these finishes.

The decisive effective components of these “nano“ products are still conventional fluorocarbon polymers. They have been used virtually unmodified for more than 30 years to obtain water, soil and oil-repellent textiles. However, for ecological reasons, the fluorocarbon polymer technology is increasingly under pressure.