Huntsman Ramps Up Production of Products Required for Surgical Face Masks

High performing formulations for Protective Masks and Suits

As the COVID-19 situation evolves, medical supplies needed to combat the spread of the virus, such as surgical masks and protective suits, are short in supply around the world.  Huntsman Textile Effects has a comprehensive range of Barrier Effects for both nonwoven and woven medical applications, including facemasks and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), meeting the critical needs of the situation.For nonwoven facemasks we have specific products developed to meet stringent performance requirements for this application  

ZEROSTAT® NW is our primary recommend antistatic agent for polypropylene (PP) nonwoven which provide antistatic effect without influencing hydrostatic pressure, alcohol & blood repellence on PP-SMS & PP-SSMMS medical nonwoven articles.  

PHOBOL® NW-MD is an oil and water repellent fluorocarbon treatment specifically developed for PP and PET nonwoven materials. Displaying an excellent barrier effect, PHOBOL® NW-MD prevents oil, alcohol or water-based stains from penetrating into the substrate.

For nonwoven and woven Facemasks, PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT(PPE) such as surgical gowns and scrubs, we can offer a range of products meeting the broad spectrum of repellency requirements for durable and non-durable applications. Our offer includes both Fluorinated (PHOBOL®) and Non-Fluorinated (PHOBOTEX®, ZELANTM) products.

Fluorinated Oil and Water Repellents (PFC):

PHOBOL® CP-C is an oil, water and stain repellent finish specifically developed for cotton, viscose, cellulose/synthetics. It displays an excellent barrier effect. It prevents oil, alcohol or water-based stains from penetrating into the substrate.

PHOBOL® CP-CR is a good protection against liquid chemicals for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suitable on substrates for synthetic, cellulosic and synthetic/cellulose fabrics. It exhibits good repellency against various liquid chemicals and oil repellency and water-based stains penetrating into substrates.

PHOBOL® CP-HT is an oil, water and stain repellent finish specifically developed for high-performance specialty and technical textiles (aramid and military fabric). It displays an excellent barrier effect- hydro-head performance & dynamic absorption. It exhibits strong oil repellency and water-based stains penetrating into the substrate.

PHOBOL® CP-SY is a good protection against liquid chemicals for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suitable on substrates for synthetic, cellulosic and synthetic/cellulose fabrics. It exhibits good repellency against various liquid chemicals and oil repellency and water-based stains penetrating into substrates.

PHOBOL® NB-TL is an oil, water and stain repellent finish specifically developed for high-performance textiles suitable on substrates for synthetic, cellulosic and synthetic/cellulose fabrics. It displays an excellent barrier effect on hydro-head performance- against water absorption and water penetrations. It prevents oil, and water-based stains from penetrating into the substrate.

Non-Fluorinated Durable Water Repellents (PFC-Free):

PHOBOTEX® REC is a Non-Fluorinated durable water repellent finish for textiles of cellulosic, synthetic and synthetic cellulosic. It displays excellent water repellent and rainproof finishing including preventing water-based stains from penetrating into substrates

PHOBOTEX® RSH is a Non-Fluorinated durable water repellent finish for textiles of cellulosic, synthetic and synthetic cellulosic. It displays excellent water repellent and rainproof finishing with additional soft hand and improvement of running properties. (not recommended for use on facemasks)

PHOBOTEX® RHP is a Non-Fluorinated durable water repellent finish for textiles of cellulosic, synthetic and synthetic cellulosic. It displays excellent water repellent and increased hydrostatic pressure including preventing water-based stains from penetrating into substrates (not recommended for use on facemasks)

ZELAN™ R3 is a renewably sourced Non-Fluorinated durable water repellent finish for textiles of cellulosic, synthetic and synthetic cellulosic including nonwovens. It exhibits excellent water repellent protection and water-based stains from penetrating into the substrates It provide a soft handle on finished textiles

Further Supporting Auxiliaries:

INVADINE® PBN is our recommended wetting agent to be used in combination with PHOBOL® (Fluorinated) and PHOBOTEX® (Non-Fluorinated) products without influencing water and oil repellency performance.

PHOBOL® EXTENDER XAN is extender to increase wash durability when used in combination with fluorochemical or non-fluorinated durable water repellent products on synthetics, cotton, wool and their blends.

PHOBOL® EXTENDER UXN is extender to increase wash durability when used in combination with fluorochemical or non-fluorinated durable water repellent products on synthetics, cotton, wool and their blends.

ZEROSTAT® FC NEW is our recommended antistatic agent for synthetic and blends with natural fibers which provides antistatic effect without influencing water and oil repellency performance for PHOBOL® (Fluorinated) and PHOBOTEX® (Non-Fluorinated) range.

We are all global citizens and we all have a part to play to help halt COVID-19. For more information, please contact your respective Huntsman contact.

List of useful links to trade associations and international standards:

EURATEX -Coronavirus emergency ESF – European Safety Federation (PPE) COVID_19
EDANA – European Disposables and Nonwovens Association Global Trade Association of the Nonwovens Industry
ISA – International Standardization Organization AATCC – American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
ASTM International – Standards Worldwide ANSI – American National Standards Institute
UNI – Ente Italiano DI Normazione CEN – Comite European de Normaization