The effect of hydrophobization of PA6 nanofiber layers with fluorocarbon and hydrocarbon finishes on physiological comfort properties

This study investigates the impact of two hydrophobic finishing agents—fluorocarbon-based Nuva FDS and fluorine-free Ruco-Dry ECO Plus—on the performance of polyamide 6 (PA6) nanofibrous layers fabricated via needle-less electrospinning (Nanospider™) and finished using a foulard process. Both finishes significantly enhanced water repellency, with Ruco-Dry ECO Plus achieving a maximum hydrostatic pressure resistance of 7360 ± 470 mm H 2 O. Contact angle measurements averaged ∼130° across all treated samples, indicating consistent hydrophobic surface modification. Water vapor resistance (Ret) ranged from 0.81 to 1.08 Pa·m 2 /W, and air permeability values remained relatively stable between 2.98 and 2.62 L/m 2 /s. These results confirm that both agents effectively balance water resistance and breathability. Moreover, the fluorine-free Ruco-Dry ECO Plus offers a sustainable alternative without compromising functional performance. This scalable finishing approach supports the development of environmentally responsible, waterproof-breathable textiles. Future research will focus on wash durability and long-term performance under real-world conditions.