Changes

Polyamide

2 bytes removed, 11:17, 16 April 2015
/* Durable water repellents (DWR) */
====Durable water repellents (DWR)====
[[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durable_water_repellent Durable water repellents]] (DWR) are applied to polyamide 6 and 6,6 garments and products to allow for breathability and water repellency. Fluorochemicals are commonly used in these water-repellent finishes and waterproof membranes (thin films or coatings attached to the back of fabrics to prevent water from passing through). Two fluorinated compounds are of most concern, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), since they are known to have persistent, bioaccumulative and toxicological effects on the environment. The European Union has banned PFOS and some countries in the EU have also banned PFOA.[6]
Waterproof membranes are engineered to be breathable, and are commonly derived from petroleum and made using PFOA.