THG is Enhancing Hydrophobicity in Polymers with PW-EXF 6514: A Fluorine-Free Breakthrough

Introduction: The Future of Hydrophobic Polymer Additives

In a world moving toward sustainable chemistry, manufacturers are looking for alternatives to fluorinated additives that still deliver top-tier water and oil repellency. Enter PW-EXF 6514 — a fluorine-free hydrophobic additive engineered by The Hanson Group to boost repellency and surface contact angle of water, alcohol, and oil in polyolefin polymers.

From technical textiles to molded plastic parts, this next-generation additive enhances product durability, cleanliness, and water resistance — all while meeting modern environmental and processing standards.

The Science Behind PW-EXF 6514

PW-EXF 6514 is designed to modify surface tension and increase the contact angle of polymer substrates. In simple terms, it makes surfaces repel water, alcohol, and oil more effectively.

What sets this additive apart is its melt-blendable design and fluorine-free chemistry. The Hanson Group’s formulation team selected a molecular structure that achieves an ideal balance between polymer compatibility and surface activity — allowing efficient migration to the surface where it forms a hydrophobic barrier.

Its optimized molecular weight ensures excellent thermal stability during high-temperature processes like extrusion, molding, and lamination — making it a practical solution for many manufacturing setups.

Precision Engineering for Consistent Performance

To maximize its effectiveness, The Hanson Group’s chemists studied polymer characteristics such as morphology and crystallinity. This data-driven approach helped identify the ideal chemistry to create a significant surface energy difference between the polymer and liquids like water or alcohol.

The result?

✔️ Higher contact angles on films and molded parts

✔️ Improved repellency in spunbond and meltblown fabrics

✔️ Durable performance even after thermal aging

Processing and Masterbatch Details

PW-EXF 6514 can be incorporated directly into polyolefin systems via melt blending or masterbatch compounding.

Below are the standard parameters used for optimal dispersion:

Equipment: 34 mm co-rotating twin-screw extruder (38 L/D)

Vent: Open (atmospheric) at Zone 6

Screw Speed: 300 RPM

Pelletizing: Strand cut via waterbath and pelletizer

Temperature Profiles:

Material	Zone 1	Zone 2	Zone 3	Zone 4	Zone 5	Zone 6	Zone 7	Zone 8	Zone 9
Polyethylene (PE)	150°F	320°F	320°F	330°F	330°F	340°F	340°F	340°F	360°F
Polypropylene (PP)	150°F	380°F	380°F	380°F	380°F	380°F	380°F	390°F	400°F

Performance Testing and Results

Contact Angle (ASTM D2578)

PW-EXF 6514 demonstrated superior hydrophobicity when compared to both fluorinated and non-fluorinated alternatives.

Sample	Additive	Contact Angle (°)
Control PP film	N/A	95
Competitive 1	1% Fluorinated	98
Competitive 2	Siloxane	86
Competitive 3	Glycerol tristearate	104
PW-EXF 6514	4% Compound	110

A higher contact angle indicates greater hydrophobicity — proving PW-EXF 6514’s performance advantage.

Hydrohead & Alcohol Repellency (IST 80.6 & 80.8)

For Spunbonded and Meltblown fabrics, hydrohead and alcohol repellency test.

Sample	Condition	Test	Alcohol Repellency Rating
PP Control (25 gsm)	No oven aging	Alcohol Repellency	2
1% Fluorinated	No oven aging	Alcohol Repellency	3
PW-EXF 6514	No oven aging	Alcohol Repellency	3.5
PP Control (25 gsm)	Oven aged 50°C, 2 hrs	Alcohol Repellency	2
1% Fluorinated	Oven aged 50°C, 2 hrs	Alcohol Repellency	4
PW-EXF 6514	Oven aged 50°C, 2 hrs	Alcohol Repellency	4
PP Control (25 gsm)	No oven aging	Hydrohead Testing	15.1
1% Fluorinated (FX-1801)	No oven aging	Hydrohead Testing	15.0
PW-EXF 6514	No oven aging	Hydrohead Testing	15.3

PW-EXF 6514 maintains its repellency even under heat exposure, proving its thermal durability and long-term stability.

Applications: Where PW-EXF 6514 Excels

PW-EXF 6514 can be used across multiple polymer systems and applications, including:

Hygiene and medical fabrics (spunbond and meltblown nonwovens)
Packaging and lamination films
Molded plastic components
Air filtration materials
Technical textiles and composites

This versatility makes it a go-to additive for manufacturers seeking high-performance, fluorine-free hydrophobic solutions.

Fluorine-Free Hydrophobicity for a Sustainable Future

As industries move toward safer and more sustainable materials, PW-EXF 6514 provides a proven path forward. It delivers measurable performance improvements — higher contact angles, better repellency, and excellent processing stability — all without relying on fluorinated chemistry.

By choosing PW-EXF 6514, manufacturers can enhance polymer performance, meet regulatory standards, and advance sustainability goals without compromise.