Atomic Layer Deposition and Abrupt Wetting Transitions on Nonwoven Polypropylene and Woven Cotton Fabrics

• DOI: 10.1021/la902830d
• Publication Date: 2009-11-09T19:29:34Z
• Authors: G. Kevin Hyde; Giovanna Scarel; Joseph C. Spagnola; Qing Peng; Kyoungmi Lee; Bo Gong; Kim G. Roberts; Kelly M. Roth; Christopher A. Ha...; Christina K. Devine; S. Michael Stewart; Daisuke Hojo; Jeong-Seok Na; Jesse S. Jur; Gregory N. Parsons
• Keywords: Polypropylene; Deposition; Superhydrophobic coating; Nonwoven fabric

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) of aluminum oxide on nonwoven polypropylene and woven cotton fabric materials can be used to transform control fiber surface wetting properties. Infrared analysis shows that ALD produce a uniform coating throughout the matrix, amount controlled by number cycles. Upon oxide, nonwetting hydrophobic fibers transition either metastable or fully hydrophilic state, consistent with well-known Cassie−Baxter Wenzel models roughened surfaces. The observed nonwetting/wetting depends process variables such as cycles temperature. Cotton fabrics coated at moderate temperatures were also from natural state back depending transitions appear less sensitive results provide insight into effect film growth mechanisms polymers fibrous structures. ability adjust energy, reactivity, wettability polymer systems using atomic may enable wide range new applications for functional fiber-based systems.