The range of water-based, PFAS-free surface modifiers for technical textiles offered by Michelman has been expanded under the Unyte brand. Across a range of fiber substrates, the Unyte solutions improve the performance of woven and nonwoven materials by providing qualities like adhesion, lubricity, water repellency, thermal stability, and oil repellency.
Applications for Unyte materials are numerous and include geotextiles, appliances, ballistics, healthcare, and unbonded glass insulation. Certain performance requirements, including adhesive resistance, processability, thermal stability, chemical and oil repellency, and durable water repellency (DWR), are necessary for each of these applications.
According to Lauren Hickey, Senior Global Marketing Manager for Fibers & Composites at Michelman, many of the earlier PFAS-containing products were overengineered. The need for PFAS-free substitutes has increased as a result of the EPA’s current focus on reducing the effects of PFAS. With around 15,000 compounds included in the PFAS category, it’s critical to pinpoint critical performance requirements and choose appropriate PFAS-free alternatives. Because there are no chemicals of concern (SoCs) in the Unyte® portfolio, brands can lower their environmental risk.”
Hickey emphasized that state and national laws pertaining to Persistent Formaldehyde Standards (PFAS) vary, as do their enforcement timelines and the severe consequences of noncompliance. Moreover, a number of producers of fluoropolymers have pledged to withdraw from the market, highlighting the requirement for suitable substitutes.
