Plasma-induced graft polymerization on the surface of aramid fabrics with improved omniphobicity and washing durability

Abstract

Durable superomniphobic surfaces are desirable for their practical applications, including self-cleaning, non-fouling, protective clothing and the separation of liquids. The plasma-induced polymerization of environmentally friendly C6 from a perfluoralkyl methlacrylate copolymer emulsion, AG-E081, was performed and a durable omniphobic fabric was achieved. C6 is an ecological alternative to C8 (eight CF2 groups) fluorinated compounds, and it was thereafter successfully incorporated into aramid fabric to achieve a durable superomniphobic surface. The fabric became water and oil repellent with an extremely high water contact angle of 180°. As tested by the water spray AATCC test and hydrocarbon resistance test, the as-prepared fabric gained 100° (ISO 5) and grade number 4 respectively. Furthermore, the fabrics also showed significantly improved washing durability after ten washing cycles. By scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) tests, it is indicated that the durable superomniphobicity can be attributed to the roughness and activation of the aramid surface by the plasma pre-treatment, which induces more adsorption and chemical graft of the C6 copolymer.