Dow Launches DOWSIL™ IE-5619 for Textile Repellency

The new silicone-based technology helps textile makers achieve durable water and oil repellency without relying on conventional fluorinated chemistry.

Dow (NYSE: DOW) has launched DOWSIL™ IE-5619 DWOR Emulsion for the global textile industry. The new product offers durable water and oil repellency through silicone-organic hybrid technology.

Textile chemical formulators, mills and brands can use this solution to meet changing regulations and consumer needs. In addition, it offers an alternative to traditional fluorinated treatments, which face increasing restrictions.

A New Approach to Water and Oil Repellency

Textile makers have long relied on fluorinated chemicals to achieve strong oil repellency. However, growing restrictions have increased the need for alternatives.

DOWSIL™ IE-5619 uses third-generation silicone-organic hybrid technology to address this challenge. It helps repel water and oil while maintaining the softness, breathability and appearance of fabrics.

Juan Carlos Medina, Ph.D., Global Strategic Marketing Director at Dow, said: “For years, achieving meaningful oil repellency in textiles typically required fluorinated chemistries, which are now facing increasing restrictions,” said Juan Carlos Medina, Ph.D., Global Strategic Marketing Director at Dow. “DOWSIL™ IE-5619 helps close that gap with a silicone-based, fluoro-alternative solution that delivers durable water and oil repellency while preserving the softness, breathability and aesthetics consumers expect. It is designed to integrate into existing finishing processes, enabling customers to adopt a fluoro-alternative solution with confidence.”

Key Benefits for Textile Manufacturers

DOWSIL™ IE-5619 is a 30% solids concentrate designed for conventional textile finishing. Manufacturers can use it on natural fibres, synthetic fibres and blended fabrics. However, they should test each fabric type to confirm performance.

The product offers several benefits:

• Water and oil protection: It helps repel oil-based stains from olive oil, cooking oils, motor oil and sebum. It also helps resist common stains from coffee, wine and milk.
• Fluoro-alternative technology: Its silicone-organic hybrid chemistry offers water and oil repellency without relying on conventional fluorinated treatments.
• Wash durability: Dow designed the product to maintain repellency after more than 20 home laundry cycles. Actual results depend on the fabric and formulation.
• Fabric comfort: The treatment helps retain softness and breathability. It also supports tape and logo adhesion without extra surface treatments.
• Easy application: Textile makers can add the product to existing finishing processes, helping reduce the need for major process changes.

Application and Processing

Dow recommends using DOWSIL™ IE-5619 at 1% to 3% of the fabric weight. Manufacturers can adjust the amount to suit their fabric and performance needs.

For curing, the recommended time is one to three minutes at a minimum temperature of 150°C. However, each manufacturer should optimise the process for its own fabrics and production line.

As a result, textile makers can assess the product’s performance through trials before adopting it for wider production.

Global Availability

Dow sells DOWSIL™ IE-5619 DWOR Emulsion globally to textile chemical formulators, mills and brands. The company will also work with customers to understand their needs and test the product on specific fabrics and finishing lines.

Interested customers can contact their Dow representative or Dow Customer Support to learn more or request a sample.