However, repelling agents have had a history of sustainability issues because of their potential to break down and form perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) or perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). To address this problem, AGC Chemicals Americas developed AsahiGuard E-Series high-performance, PFOA-free* repellents with improved environmental and biological profiles. (*Levels at detectable limits.)
Industry regulators have evaluated AsahiGuard E-Series repelling agents and determined them to be safe and effective for use in nonwoven automotive applications. E-Series repellents are based on AGC’s patented shortchain C6 polymerization technology that supports industry environmental initiatives and provides a sustainable alternative to long-chain C8 technology.
“AGC leads the U.S. EPA stewardship program to manufacture only high performance, sustainable products,” said Tim Johnson, AGC business manager. “When nonwovens are treated with AsahiGuard E-Series repellents, they hold up at least twice as long as they would if they were untreated or treated with silicone repellents, without the adverse environmental impact of long chain fluoropolymers.”
Automotive applications for AsahiGuard-treated nonwovens include:
- Under the hood noise dampening
- Acoustic and thermal insulation
- Oil, cabin, carburetor and air filters
- Linings for trunks, consoles, rear shelves and rooves
- Seating fabrics and reinforcements
- Window frames, dashboard and door panel trim, coverings and reinforcements
- Molded fuel tanks and muffler wraps
- Transmission panel and bodywork parts
- Battery separators.
AsahiGuard repellents are non-flammable, odorless, transparent when treated and can be easily applied to nonwoven materials before or after installation. They are compatible with auxiliary agents and provide a breathable, low-friction finish that repels water and releases stains.
AGC’s product line for automotive nonwoven applications includes AG-E100 for stain release; AG-E082, AGE550D and AG-E600 for repellency; and combinations for repellency and stain release.
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