VIRIDYN 50N: PFAS-free Additive for Hydrophobic & Oleophobic (Grade 1-2) Textile Membranes
The Challenge
An innovative textile membrane manufacturer specializing in nano-materials needed a PFAS-free additive to enhance oil repellency while maintaining breathability. The manufacturer required a solution that could be integrated into their existing process without compromising the critical breathability and waterproof performance that defined their product line.
Their critical requirements included:
PFAS-Free Oil Repellency Enhancement: A 100% PFAS-free additive solution to increase oleophobicity in textile membranes.
Solvent Compatibility: Compatibility with solvent systems used in formulations.
Performance Preservation: Maintenance of existing high breathability and waterproof performance characteristics critical to their textile applications.
Technical Support for Novel Application: Guidance on incorporation methods, concentration optimization, and process parameters for this specialized application.
Rapid Sample Access: Quick access to product samples, technical data sheets, and regulatory documentation to enable testing and qualification.
The Solution
ViriDyn and partners provided comprehensive technical support throughout the development process:
Immediate Sample Coordination: Within days of initial inquiry, product samples were shipped internationally with complete technical documentation and regulatory certificates to facilitate customs clearance.
Solvent-Compatible PFAS-Free Additives: 100% PFAS-free additives were provided for comparative evaluation, both confirmed compatible with the customer's solvent system and process.
Iterative Problem-Solving Support: When initial low-concentration trials showed performance limitations, ViriDyn technical team recommended concentration optimization strategies to achieve desired oil repellency.
Ongoing Testing Partnership: Continuous technical dialogue throughout the multi-stage testing process, from initial trials through breakthrough results and scale-up planning.
Result & Impact
The textile membrane manufacturer achieved breakthrough performance:
Oil Repellency Success: After concentration optimization, the customer achieved grade 1 oil repellency (AATCC 118 Oil Level 1) — a substantial improvement over untreated materials.
PFAS-Free Formulation Maintained: Successfully enhanced oleophobic performance without the use of PFAS materials.
Process Integration Validated: Confirmed compatibility with existing equipment and polymer solutions, requiring no equipment modification.
Rapid Development Timeline: Progressed from initial inquiry to successful breakthrough results within 12 weeks, including international shipping and multiple testing iterations.
ViriDyn continues to support textile and membrane manufacturers seeking PFAS-free low-grade oleophobic additives for advanced material applications, with rapid sample coordination and sustained technical partnership throughout the development process.