Surface modification of fabrics using dielectric barrier discharge plasma for improved antifouling performance

Abstract Surface modification of fabrics is an effective way to endow them with antifouling properties while still maintaining their key advantages such as comfort, softness and stretchability. Herein, an atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma method is demonstrated for the processing of silk fabrics using 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (PFDS) as the precursor. The results showed the successful grafting of PFDS groups onto the surface of silk fabrics without causing damage. Meanwhile, the gas temperature is rather low during the whole processing procedure, suggesting the non-equilibrium characteristics of DBD plasma. The influence on fabrics of the processing parameters (PFDS concentration, plasma treatment time and plasma discharge power) was systematically investigated. An optimum processing condition was determined to be a PFDS concentration of 8wt%, a plasma processing time of 40 s and a plasma power of 11.87 W. However, with prolonged plasma processing time or enhanced plasma power, the plasma-grafted PFDS films could be degraded. Further study revealed that plasma processing of silk fabrics with PFDS would lead to a change in their chemical composition and surface roughness. As a result, the surface energy of the fabrics was reduced, accompanied by improved water and oil repellency as well as enhanced antifouling performance. Besides, the plasma-grafted PFDS films also had good durability and stability. By extending the method to polyester and wool against different oil-/water-based stains, the DBD plasma surface modification technique demonstrated good versatility in improving the antifouling properties of fabrics. This work provides guidance for the surface modification of fabrics using DBD plasma to confer them with desirable functionalities.