Water-repellent Fiber

Water-repellent fiber is a functional fiber that reduces the surface tension of the fiber through chemical finishing or physical modification, making it impossible for water droplets to wet and can only form a spherical roll on the surface.

Its core feature is "water-repellent but not waterproof". Different from the dense coating barrier of waterproof fibers, water-repellent fibers retain fabric pores and are breathable and moisture-permeable. The feel is slightly different from conventional fibers, and the water-repellent effect is due to surface modification. Some products can maintain their functions through washing resistance tests. Common preparation methods include silicone, fluorochemical finishing, or enhancing hydrophobicity through micro/nano-scale surface structures to achieve durable water repellency without the need for additional coatings.

In many production and industrial scenarios, the practicality of water-repellent fibers widely covers medical, home, personal care, outdoor protection and other fields. The medical and health field is the core application scenario. Consumables such as surgical gowns, isolation gowns, and medical drapes are made of water-repellent fibers, which can block the penetration of body fluids while ensuring breathability and non-stuffiness, and comply with medical-grade hygiene standards. In household cleaning scenarios, high-end wet wipes and cleaning cloths mostly use water-repellent fibers with a water-repellent-liquid-absorbent partition design. The front side is water-repellent to keep you dry, and the back side is hydrophilic to decontaminate, so it does not reverse infiltration or leave marks when wiping.

In the field of home decoration, sofa covers, curtains, tablecloths, etc. made of water-repellent fibers can effectively resist drink spills and water stains. Daily cleaning only requires simple wiping, which is especially suitable for families with children and pets. Seat fabrics and floor mats in car interiors are made of water-repellent fibers, which can prevent mildew caused by rain and drink leakage and extend service life. In outdoor protection scenarios, water-repellent fibers are often used in the linings of outdoor protective clothing and lightweight jackets. They can keep the body surface dry after being exposed to rain for a short period of time, and their breathability is better than waterproof-coated fabrics, making them suitable for daily commuting and light outdoor activities.

In addition, the edges of facial mask base fabrics in the personal care field are made of water-repellent fibers to prevent essence from spilling; sportswear fabrics are made with water-repellent fibers that can quickly drain away sweat from the body surface and keep you dry. These applications all rely on the core advantage of "breathable and water-repellent" water-repellent fibers, which solve the pain points of conventional fibers that are easy to absorb water and difficult to care for, and have become important functional materials that improve the convenience of daily life.