Abstract

The general principles by which certain long-chain nonpolar hydrocarbon/waxes, silicones, and fluorochemicals can provide water and oil repellency by lowering the surface energy of a substrate are described. Common applications are in the areas of textiles, leather, paper and paperboard, concrete and masonry, and wood. The focus is on materials that act as surface treatments rather than on constructions where impermeable materials are laminated or otherwise attached to a water- or oil-receptive surface. Major suppliers of the surface treatments, chemical types, and test methods used for measuring performance are given.