Use of novel tetrafluoroethene copolymer dispersions as protective finishe for leather

Antisoiling finishing is currently one of the most challenging topics in leather technology. Light colored leather articles are in vogue for high end applications like automotive and furniture upholstery. The leather surface should resist any type of matter that soils while maintaining all physical and aesthetical properties. Resulting from a joint development project between DAIKIN and LANXESS, a new aqueous polymer technology for leather finishing based on tetrafluoroethene (TFE) copolymers is being introduced by LANXESS. In practice, formulations containing a TFE copolymer dispersion as the gloss binder, a specially designed matting agent and the appropriate additives are activated by a polyisocyanate and then applied on the leather surface using conventional spraying technology. A dual cross linking concept has also been developed for this new technology: Due to a chemical reaction, a fluorinated polyurethane network is generated on the leather surface thereby providing a permanently fixed protective coat and long lasting antisoiling effects. Compared to conventional systems, the resistance to any matter that soils is remarkably improved, whereas all physical properties remain unaffected.