Hydrophilic Treatment of the Dyed Nylon-6 Fabric using High-density and Extensible Antenna-coupling Microwave Plasma System

• DOI: 10.1007/s11090-004-3039-5
• Publication Date: 2005-04-06T10:38:41Z
• Authors: Jiunn-Der Liao; Chonyu Chen; Yi-Te Wu; Chih-Chiang Weng
• Keywords: 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology

High density and well surface-distributed oxygen microwave plasma with an extensible antenna-coupling design was utilized to modify a densely weaved and large-surface-area Nylon-6 fabric within a short treatment time. Plasma pretreatment and subsequent acrylic acid (AAc) or 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) grafting process were studied and optimized at the stage after dyed and finished procedure. The monomer-grafted dyed Nylon-6 fabrics evolved lasting hydrophilic properties and thereafter created or improved surface properties such as water diffusion, drainage, moisture regain and water absorbency, in different degrees. The pHEMA-grafted sample exhibited minor effect in color perception, which was also much hydrophilic than the pAAc-grafted one. Based upon surface analyses and wetting assessment, the penetration of HEMA monomer into the plasma-treated fabric matrix contributed to the facilitation of wetting properties. This work accordingly ensures such plasma-induced system to incorporate with the pattern of hydrophilic properties on the analogous textiles without interrupting their finishing process.