World’s First Water Absorbent and Oil Repellent Polyester Fabric
Teijin Fiber Limited has announced the development of a new stain resistance polyester fabric offering both water absorption and oil repellency for the first time in the world. The water absorption would eliminate stickiness, while the oil repellency would prevent oil-based soiling. The new fabric would be marketed to be used for sportswear, uniforms as well as fashion clothing such as blouses, cut and sewn clothing, as well as slacks that require both oil repellent and sweat absorption. The currently commercially available water repellent and oil repellent fabrics have issues with breathability and texture, since the coating is applied only to the top surface of the fabric, rather than to each individual fiber.
The key in development of this new fabric was company’s proprietary fiber processing and nanotechnologies capable of covering the fiber surface with a 100-nanometer coating consisting of separate hydrophilic and oil-repellent layers. As a result of this when sweat or other type of moisture comes into contact with the fabric, water content is selectively absorbed and quickly spread to the hydrophilic layer, whereas oil is repelled where later on can be washed off. Teijin will commence the sales of the new fabric for spring and summer of 2012 sportswear and apparel.
