Surface modification of aramid fibers by atmospheric pressure plasma-enhanced vapor deposition

Abstract

Recent research results have indicated positive influences of inter-yarn friction on ballistic performance of woven fabrics and panels made from such fibers. The current investigation explores the effect of coating by means of atmospheric pressure plasma-enhanced vapor deposition with organic chemical (CH3)2Cl2Si on the inter-yarn friction. The scanning electron microscopy observations indicated that as the treatment time increases, more particles have been deposited on the surface of the fibers. The Fourier transform infrared spectra supported the existence of Si-O-Si vibration, which can be attributed to the chemical deposition. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis further supported the deposition of the chemical compound. Experiments were carried out to evaluate the coefficients of static and kinetic frictions between the yarns and the results showed that the inter-yarn coefficient of static friction was increased from 0.1617 to 0.2969 and that of the kinetic friction increased from 0.1554 to 0.2436, as the treatment time increased to 4 minutes. In addition, there is evidence that the mechanical properties of the treated yarns were not negatively affected by the treatment.