Non-fluorinated oleophobic barrier coating for nonwovens
A silicone-based surface treatment that delivers PFAS-equivalent oil and alcohol repellency without fluorinated chemistry. Achieves Grade 6 oil repellency and Grade 7 IPA/water repellency on fabrics, facemask media, and gown materials. Designed for nonwoven substrates to replace legacy PFAS coatings as global bans take effect.
Overview
This offering is a fluorine-free oleophobic barrier coating technology that enables nonwoven textiles to repel oils, alcohols, and water without the use of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Built on a silicone-based chemistry platform, the coating delivers liquid-repellent performance comparable to legacy PFAS finishes while remaining safe, sustainable, and biocompatible. It addresses a growing market gap created by tightening global PFAS regulations across consumer products, medical textiles, and protective apparel.
The technology is suitable for nonwoven substrates used in applications such as filtration media, surgical gowns, facemasks, wipes, and other barrier products. Because silicones are medically safe, breathable, and add softness to textiles, the coating can enhance both protective performance and wearer comfort.
Technical specifications
- Fluorine-free chemistry: Silicone-based surface treatment that mimics PFAS-grade repellency without fluorinated components
- Oil repellency: Validated at Grade 6 on fabrics, facemask filter media, and gown materials
- Alcohol and water repellency: Grade 7 performance against IPA/water challenge
- Substrate compatibility: Demonstrated on woven fabrics and nonwoven media; adaptable to application-specific nonwoven substrates
- Material benefits: Medically safe, breathable, and softening to the finished textile
- Application flexibility: Modifiable for oil-repellency or alcohol-repellency deployment depending on end-use requirements
Technology readiness level
The coating is currently at TRL 4, with laboratory validation completed on representative fabrics and nonwoven media. Active development is underway for military-grade oil repellency specifications and surgical gown alcohol-repellency specifications. The proposing team is open to collaborative down-selection of nonwoven substrates, iterative finish optimization, and full characterization of finished materials including softness, breathability, fluid penetration resistance, and tensile strength. Larger validation swatches can be prepared for partner-side internal testing.
About University of Toronto
The University of Toronto is a comprehensive public research university with three campuses in the Toronto region and a globally scaled research enterprise. Its downtown footprint is embedded within a major academic health network and an adjacent innovation district, enabling co-located labs, clinical trials, and rapid testing with end users. Companies connect through co-op and long-duration internships, sponsored research, and access to shared core facilities and prototyping resources. Research is supported by Canada’s Tri‑Agency (NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC) and the Canada Foundation for Innovation, alongside provincial programs and industry partnerships. A dedicated technology transfer office provides IP management, licensing, and startup support through a coordinated entrepreneurship network.
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