COMPOSITION AND PROCESS FOR APPLYING HYDROPHOBIC COATING TO FIBROUS SUBSTRATES

摘要

Fabrics are treated with a hydrophobic treatment that includes at least one hydrophobic monomer and a crosslinker. The treatment is low in volatile organic compounds and water. It is a liquid at 22°C or a suspension having a phase that is liquid at 22°C. The monomer and crosslinker are cured in a free radical polymerization to form a hydrophobic coating on a fibrous substrate. The curing is performed by removing interstitial air from the fabric and then curing the fabric in a low oxygen environment without allowing it contact with oxygen or air from the time the interstitial air is removed until conversion of monomers reaches at least 50%.