Benchtop NMR for Measuring Fluorinated Coatings on Fibers and Textiles

Coated fabrics are materials treated with a special finishing process. A layer of functional coating is applied to the fabric surface to enhance its performance, giving it unique properties. These are often referred to as functional coated fabrics or technical textiles.

Fluorinated coatings are commonly applied to fibers and textiles to impart oil repellency, water resistance, easy-clean properties, and flame retardance. These coatings are widely used in carpets, outdoor gear, and high-performance apparel. Accurate control of fluorine content is critical to optimize processing and ensure product performance. Low-field NMR offers a fast, simple, and accurate way to measure fluorinated coatings.

Basic Principle of NMR Measurement

 

NMR analysis technology is based on directly measuring the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal of fluorine-19. Since fluorine content is proportional to the NMR signal intensity, fluorine concentration (by weight %) can be calculated using a proper calibration curve.

After calibrating with 3–6 samples of known fluorine content, unknown samples can be tested in just 30 seconds to 3 minutes. The process is rapid, non-destructive, and suitable for inline industrial process monitoring.

Compared to chemical methods, NMR offers significantly better repeatability. It requires no chemical solvents and is simple enough for non-specialists to operate with minimal training.

Key Advantages of NMR Technology

 

1. Ultra-fast testing—results in just seconds;
2. Easy instrument calibration;
3. Superior repeatability and reproducibility over traditional methods;
4. Ideal for inline quality control during production—saves labor and boosts efficiency;
5. User-friendly interface—no specialist required for operation;
6. Versatile and powerful—perfect for testing fluorine content in textiles and fibers;
7. No limitation on sample shape—supports powders, pellets, films, and bulk solids;
8. Non-invasive and non-destructive—same sample can be measured repeatedly as needed;
9. Signal comes from all hydrogen nuclei in the entire sample volume—results are independent of surface texture or color;
10. Can also be used to detect ¹H content in certain raw materials and chemical products;
11. Applicable for measuring oil and water content in various chemical formulations.