Production of Waterproof Textile Fabric Using Fluorocarbon Finishing for the Nigerian Outdoor Apparel Market

The Nigerian outdoor apparel market has expanded with growing interest in functional sportswear and workwear requiring moisture management properties. This study investigates the production of waterproof woven polyester fabric using fluorocarbon-based durable water repellent finishing as a surface functional treatment, evaluated for the West African tropical climate conditions. Woven polyester fabrics of 150 and 200 gsm were padded with fluorocarbon emulsions at varying concentrations of 30, 50, and 70 g/L, followed by curing at 150 degrees Celsius for 3 minutes. Waterproofing performance was assessed using the spray rating test, hydrostatic pressure resistance, and contact angle measurement. Durability of the finish was evaluated through repeated laundering at 10, 20, and 30 wash cycles followed by reassessment of waterproofing properties. Air permeability was measured to assess breathability retention following finishing. Results show that 50 g/L fluorocarbon concentration on 200 gsm polyester achieved spray rating of 100 percent, hydrostatic pressure resistance of 1850 mm water column, and contact angle of 132 degrees. After 20 wash cycles, spray rating declined to 70 percent, indicating progressive finish exhaustion with repeated laundering. Air permeability was reduced by 14 percent following finishing. The study recommends a refresher treatment schedule after 15 wash cycles to maintain effective waterproofing. Findings support the development of functional fabric finishing capabilities in Nigeria's textile finishing sector, enabling domestically produced performance fabrics for the growing outdoor and workwear apparel market. Keywords: fluorocarbon finish, durable water repellent, waterproof fabric, polyester, outdoor apparel