C0 VS C6 Which DWR is Best?
Site: Kitty Tang Key Account Manager at Here Makers 👉 One-stop-shop Backpack manufacturer focus on design, prototyping, material management, molding
in 1998 a lawsuit started that would eventually lead to the 2016 ban on long-chain perfluorochemicals (PFCs) used in US manufacturing. This ban affects a broad range of products including carpets, non-stick cookware, and outdoor gear. PFCs shed water and stains exceptionally well, and for outdoor gear, they are most commonly used for the durable water repellent (DWR) coating on the fabric. The long chain variation of PFCs that have at least eight carbon chains (known as C8) are the targets of the 2016 ban as these chemicals have been determined to be carcinogens and toxic to our environment. Despite this ban, it’s estimated that 98% of Americans have PFCs in their blood and that they continue to damage our health and environment.
After the ban, responsible outdoor gear companies transitioned to a different PFC that has a shorter carbon chain, a 6-carbon molecule termed C6. Today, almost all of your X-Pac fabrics use this C6 DWR. While it is still a PFC, this C6 alternative breaks down faster and is not as persistent in our environment. Is C6 safer compared to C8? Definitely, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe in general. The switch to a shorter-chain PFC is a step in the right direction, but it’s not our safest option.
So which DWR is best? The final solution for outdoor gear seems to be nothing short of PFC-free DWRs. Last Monday (April 13th, 2020), Advanced Textile Source published a press release declaring the imminent ban of C6 in Europe. That’s why some brands state clear C6 DWR in this product specification.
C0 & C6 water repellent is a type of material protectant used for various surfaces. It works by reducing the surface tension of the material, meaning that it does not allow the water to spread on the surface and instead beads up, making it easier to wipe off or shake off the surface. This makes c06 water repellent ideal for use in outdoor fabric and clothing as it is designed to keep materials from becoming saturated with moisture.
C0 C6 water repellents are specially formulated to provide long-lasting protection against water. They contain a combination of substances known as fluoropolymers, which create an invisible coating on fabric and other surfaces. This coating prevents water from being absorbed, meaning that materials treated with c0 c6 remain dry even when exposed to rain, snow, and liquid spills. As well as being waterproof, this repellent also reduces dust accumulation and wear and tear from UV rays.
Water-repellent fabric is created using a chemical finish known as c0 c6. This finish works by creating a hydrophobic barrier on the fabric’s surface, making it highly resistant to water penetration. The c0 c6 finish can be long-lasting, providing weatherproof protection to clothing, upholstery, and other fabrics without significantly affecting their breathability or texture.
