Materials such as natural and synthetic textiles and fabrics used to make numerous everyday products such as clothing, carpets, furniture and other household, automotive and military products have been substantially improved using fluorine-containing fluorocarbon chemicals for their superhydrophobicity. However, these materials are nonbiodegradable and have a significant environmental polluting effect that represents a threat to human, animal and plant health.
Catchmark proposed a treatment using sustainable, non-toxic, biodegradable hydrocarbon surfactants to replace fluorocarbons. The treatment, which he said employs chemistries safe enough to consume or be applied directly to the skin, has been successfully demonstrated on cotton and nylon and has created superhydrophobic surfaces that are also oil resistant. The treatment is also more cost effective than fluorocarbons.
