Modification of Fiber Surfaces by Monomeric Additives

Abstract

In contrast to commonly used polymeric fluorocarbon finishes, a new approach to the modification of fiber surfaces by nionomcnc fluorocarbon additives is described. The additives are not simply deposited on the fiber surface, as demon strated by examination with scanning electron microscope and by excellent durability of the modified surface to abrasion, home-laundering, and dry-cleaning. The additives are concentrated in the fiber polymer near the fiber surface and held there due to their miscibility with the polymer matrix and due to their insolubility in soap solutions or in dry-cleaning solvents. Concentration as low as 0.25% of the additives on the weight of the fiber results in excellent water and oil repel lencies. The modified fiber can be knitted and dyed without affecting the surface properties.