AGC Chemicals Americas has developed AsahiGuard E-Series high-performance, PFOA-free repellents with improved environmental and biological profiles for use in automotive interior components. Unlike traditional repellents that have the potential to break down and form perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) or perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), these repellents offer a more sustainable way to treat nonwoven fabrics before they are fabricated into components.

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 short-chain 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,” says 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.