The Effect of SF6 Plasma Exposure on the Water-Repellency, Physical and Chemical Properties of the Cotton Fabric

Abstract

Abstract Low-pressure, remote radio-frequency (RF) hollow cathode discharge (HCD-L300) SF6 plasma system has been shown to be a powerful method in cotton fabric finishing to achieve water-repellent property. This plasma was ignited at a flow rate of (200 sccm), low pressure (0.5 mbar), and radio frequency (13.56 MHz) with a power of (300 W). The contact angle was characterized as a function of the plasma exposure period, and the changes in the morphology, chemical structure, and mechanical properties as tensile strength and elongation at break of the fabric have also been investigated. In addition, weight loss of the fabric and the fastness to washing have been studied. It was found that the exposure period of the fabric to the plasma has an important influence on the water-repellency property. Moreover, a water-repellent cotton fabric has been produced in a short time of treatment (1 min). In addition, it has physical and chemical changes; physically, grooves were formed on the surface of the fibers after treatment, and chemically, the fluorine atoms were attached to the surface of the fibers.