A Water-based Silicone Delivering Water Repellency and Self-cleaning Performance, with no PFAS and under 2% Silicone Actives
Water repellent coatings have long relied on fluorochemical technology to keep textiles dry, but the industry is now rethinking that approach amid tightening environmental regulations and growing brand and consumer demand for PFAS-free, high-performance finishes.
This formulation is a water-based, PFAS-free rain repellent engineered to solve a critical industry challenge: protecting apparel, footwear, and accessories against moisture and aqueous stains such as coffee and wine, without relying on fluorochemical technologies.
How This Formulation Achieves Durable Water Repellency
The formulation combines five core ingredients; each selected for a specific functional role. Two silicone fluid emulsions provide surface hydrophobisation, creating a water-repellent coating on the fibre surface.
A silicone resin was selected to reinforce the repellent film, improving wash durability by cross-linking with the silicone fluids during application. Isopropyl alcohol serves a dual purpose: it solubilises the resin and accelerates drying after application. Demineralised water acts as the carrier, enabling a cold-process, trigger-spray compatible system suitable for a wide range of natural, synthetic, and blended fabrics.
The differentiation lies in achieving durable water repellency using under 2% total silicone actives and zero PFAS, combining strong technical performance with a lighter environmental footprint than conventional fluorochemical repellents.
Key Benefits of a PFAS-Free Water Repellent
The formulation delivers water droplet contact angles above 145° on cotton, polyester/cotton, and polyester substrates. This indicates durable water repellency and protection against aqueous soils. The low gliding angles also indicate a self-cleaning effect, reducing soil adherence and keeping apparel looking better for longer.
Wash durability testing demonstrated maintained performance across repeated washing cycles, with particularly strong retention on synthetic substrates. The cold-process compatibility simplifies manufacturing and reduces energy input, whilst trigger-spray application enables easy consumer or professional reapplication.
Overall, the formulation provides brands with a PFAS-free alternative that supports regulatory compliance, without compromising on durability or performance under real-use conditions.
Where to Use a PFAS-Free Water-Repellent Finish
This formulation is designed for use across multiple textile categories where durable water repellency is a key functional requirement:
- Outdoor apparel: Jackets, trousers, and activewear requiring protection from rain and moisture
- Footwear: Textile uppers for trainers, boots, and casual footwear exposed to outdoor conditions
- Accessories: Bags, hats, and gloves requiring stain resistance from aqueous soils and easy-care properties
- Technical textiles: Industrial and performance fabrics where water repellency and durability are critical
The formulation performs well on natural fibres, synthetic fibres, and blends, making it suitable for diverse fibre compositions and end-use applications.
Request a Ready-to-use PFAS-Free Water-Repellent Sample
Want to evaluate this formulation in your own development work? Request a ready-to-use sample to test performance before you scale up or get in touch to discuss adapting the concept for your home care and I&I formulations.
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