The objective of this research is to achieve atmospheric plasma induced graft polymerization of non C8 fluorocarbons onto cotton fabrics to achieve durable nanolayer fluorocarbon that is water, alcohol and oil repellency. An atmospheric pressure plasma reactor (APJeT) is used for the deposition of the fluorocarbon monomer. DoE is used to develop statistical model in order to achieve higher water/alcohol/oil repellency.Graft polymerization of 2-(perfluorohexyl)ethyl acrylate monomer is carried out and the performance of the fabrics is examined using AATCC Test Methods 193 and 118. Water contact angle measurements indicate that the fabric finish is superhydrophobic with an angle of 159�. Surface chemistry of untreated and plasma graft polymerized cotton is studied using SEM-EDX, TOF-SIMS and XPS. 59% of fluorine concentration is observed on the plasma grafted finish using XPS analysis. Durability of the fluorocarbon finish obtained using washing test method is also discussed in this study.

Plasma graft polymerization of fluorocarbon on cotton fabrics for sustainable finishing applications

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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