DAIKIN and Dow Corning Corporation have jointly developed a new product for fabric protection. The new Unidyne TG-5521 fabric treatment delivers the advantages of two complementary chemistries – the superior oil and water repellency of fluorine and the softness of silicone.
Additionally, this combination of performance benefits is available in the new C6 fluorine platform, which enhances the product’s environmental performance.
DAIKIN and Dow Corning created an alliance in 2005 to develop new products that take advantage of the strong benefits of fluorine and silicone. Transitioning protective chemistry to improve environmental performance presented a natural focus.
The alliance targeted a product with equal or better oil and water repellency when compared to traditional protective chemistry, an improved environmental footprint, and a luxurious feel. Customers conducting trials with the new product report that it succeeds in all respects.
Mike Ladd, DAIKIN AMERICA’s Unidyne brand business manager, commented, “People have had some success by mixing chemicals, but putting everything in one molecule gives better all-around performance where a soft hand is desired and allows the mill to concentrate on product quality and productivity. Customer reaction from trial runs has been very good.”
Tison Keel, vice president of Sales and Marketing for DAIKIN AMERICA, said, “DAIKIN and Dow Corning share the priority of creating sustainability and performance. This product offers a new way to solve an issue facing our customers every day. The specifications were simple – ‘Give us an environmentally improved product with traditional performance.’ With the collaboration of great chemistries and great chemists, we achieved that.”
John Torgerson, business development manager for Dow Corning’s Fluorine Program, said, “Dow Corning has a history of providing innovative solutions to help textile brands compete in the global marketplace."
"Working jointly with DAIKIN enables us to build on our strong silicon chemistry base and extend the range of solutions we can offer not only to textiles but also to the other industries we serve. This is the first of many market-leading developments we expect to come from these great scientists working together.”
The new Unidyne TG-5521 fabric treatment will be sold exclusively by DAIKIN and will be available worldwide. Production is scheduled to begin in early August 2007.
