Dow Launches DOWSIL™ IE-5619 Emulsion for Durable Water and Oil Repellency in Textiles
Silicone-organic hybrid technology offers a fluoro-alternative approach to textile finishing, with performance designed to withstand more than 20 home laundering cycles.
Dow (NYSE: DOW) has launched DOWSIL™ IE-5619 DWOR Emulsion, a durable water and oil repellent (DWOR) agent developed for the global textile industry. The product uses silicone-organic hybrid technology and fluoro-alternative chemistry to address changing regulatory, environmental and consumer requirements.
The formulation is designed to provide both water and oil repellency for textile chemical formulators, mills and brands, while supporting the softness, breathability and appearance of finished fabrics.
Addressing Demand for Fluoro-Alternative Finishes
The launch comes as fluorinated chemistries used to achieve oil repellency in textiles face increasing restrictions.
“For years, achieving meaningful oil repellency in textiles typically required fluorinated chemistries, which are now facing increasing restrictions,” said Juan Carlos Medina, Ph.D., Global Strategic Marketing Director at Dow. “DOWSIL™ IE-5619 helps close that gap with a silicone-based, fluoro-alternative solution that delivers durable water and oil repellency while preserving the softness, breathability and aesthetics consumers expect. It is designed to integrate into existing finishing processes, enabling customers to adopt a fluoro-alternative solution with confidence."
Key Product Features and Performance
DOWSIL™ IE-5619 is a concentrate with 30% solids, designed for conventional textile finishing. It can be used on synthetic, natural and blended fibre fabrics, with performance requiring confirmation for each fabric type and source.
The product's stated features include:
- Water and oil repellency: Helps repel oil-based contaminants, including olive oil, cooking oils, motor oil and sebum, while also protecting against water-based stains such as wine, coffee and milk.
- Fluoro-alternative chemistry: Uses a silicone-organic hybrid polymer developed to provide durable water and oil repellency in textile applications.
- Laundering durability: Designed to maintain repellency after more than 20 home laundering cycles, depending on the fabric and formulation.
- Fabric comfort and appearance: Offers a soft hand feel and helps preserve breathability. It also supports tape and logo adhesion without additional surface treatments.
- Compatibility with existing processes: Designed for integration into current textile manufacturing and finishing operations.
Application and Processing Guidelines
Dow specifies typical application levels of 1–3% based on fabric weight. The recommended curing conditions are 1–3 minutes at a minimum temperature of 150°C. These parameters can be optimised according to customer-specific processes and performance targets.
Performance must be validated for individual fabrics and formulations.
Global Availability
DOWSIL™ IE-5619 DWOR Emulsion is available globally to textile chemical formulators, mills and brands across the textile supply chain.
Dow will work with customers to assess application requirements and support product validation on specific fabrics and finishing lines. Customers can contact their Dow representative or Dow Customer Support for further information or to request a sample.