Our BioDri portfolio of durable water-repellents (DWR) are specialized treatments that are applied to the outer shell of fabrics. They function by significantly lowering the surface tension of water droplets, causing them to bead up and roll off the fabric rather than being absorbed.

The DWR treatment involves the application of SCRO technology, that creates a microscopic barrier on the fabric surface. When water comes into contact with the treated surface, the reduced surface tension prevents the water molecules from spreading out and penetrating the fabric. Instead, the water forms spherical droplets that easily slide off, keeping the fabric dry.

Our technologies are crucial for outdoor gear and apparel for example, as they ensure that these fabrics remain lightweight and breathable while providing effective protection against moisture.

Understanding SCRO Technology in Water-Repellent Textiles

SCRO (Side-Chain Reinforced Orientation Technology) is a cutting-edge method designed to enhance the water-repellent properties of textiles.

How SCRO Technology Works:

1. Preventing Surface Reconstruction:

Polymer Stability

Traditional water-repellent treatments can lose effectiveness as the hydrophobic molecules reorient in polar environments. SCRO technology stabilizes these molecules by reinforcing the side chains, ensuring the water-repellent properties remain intact.

2. Creating a Hydrophobic Surface:

Chemical Bonding: SCRO technology chemically bonds hydrophobic groups to textile fibers, forming a durable water-repellent layer.

Surface Roughness: By introducing micro and nano-scale roughness, SCRO increases the contact angle of the water droplets, making them bead up and roll off more efficiently.

3. Ensuring Durability

Enhanced Stability: The reinforced side chains provide resistance to washing, abrasion, and environmental factors, ensuring long-lasting water repellency.

Sustained Performance: SCRO treated textiles maintain their water-repellent properties over time, even under challenging conditions.

4. Environmental Benefits

Fluorine-Free options: SCRO supports the development of fluorine-free water repellents.

Diagram 1: SCRO Technology, How it Works

Innovations in Bio-Based Fluorine-Free Water-Repellents

Fluorine-free water repellents typically incorporate a certain amount of bio-based materials. Reflecting the latest industry trends and technological advancements, our water-repellents are categorized into three types based on their bio-based content:

1. Conventional Fluorine-Free Water Repellents

2. Bio-Based Fluorine-Free Water-Repellents

3. High Bio-Based Fluorine-free Water- Repellents

                                                             Table 1. Classification of BioDri Fluorine-Free Water-Repellents

At UltraZeo, we are developing highly differentiated products with high adhesion, hand-mark resistance, and impact resistance, tailored to the characteristics of bio-based fluorine-free water repellents, under our BioDri line.

The performance of high bio-based fluorine-free water repellents continues to face significant challenges. To meet industrial application requirements and drive the industry’s shift towards a low-carbon, eco-friendly future, it is crucial to focus on technological innovations. Enhancing key properties such as reducing surface energy and increasing crosslinking density will be essential in developing effective high bio-based fluorine-free water repellents.