Why Does It Always Rain On Me? : Properties of Alternative Durable Water Repellent Chemicals for Textiles

Sammanfattning: Environmental pollution caused by persistent perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) - Organic Chemicals with confirmed levels of toxicity and propensity for bioaccumulation - has given rise to global environmental concerns. Functional textiles Containing durable water repellents (DWRs) That are based on side-chain fluorinated polymers are Noted to be the major contributors to the release of Such environmental pollutants. This results from the release of impurities and Their Gradual degradation. Nevertheless, the properties of DWRs based on long chain perfluoroalkyl chains resulting thing into Exceptional Performance Materials Into the repellent textiles and are there fore hard to replace without detriment to textile quality. This thesis AIMS to characterise the currently available alternatives by DWR Assessing Their technical performance and potentiality as hazardous chemicals with respect to Estimated emission scenarios. Further More, The Work Carried out herein Suggests That by taking a segmented perspective of the textile market, the substitution of fluorinated materials with more environmentally benign alternatives where peak performance materials is not required might sacrifice a better solution. In addition, the thesis proposes Directions for Future Research That May be Considered essential for a more robust breakfest and understanding of the environmental fate of DWR Polymers and how best to defuse Reduce emissions of PFAAs.