Plama polymerization forms thin polymer films. Thus when plasma polymerization is applied to fabrics, it is expected that handling and durability under repeated washing are improved and more increased compared to resin finish. However it is known that CF
4, plasma polymer does not show sufficient durability forlaundering.
In this investigation plasma polymerization of perfluorocarbons, C
2F
4, C
3F
6, C
3F
8, and C
6F
6, on cotton and wool fabrics has been carried out. It was found that the surface morphology of film on the plasma-polymerized fabric depends on the kinds of gas employed. After the plasma polymerization on the fabric, the friction coefficient of the resultant fabric increased and the handling of the fabric became rough to the touch. With the cotton fabric water repellency gradually decreased under repeated washing. Also the wool fabric showed the good properties of waterproof and shrinkage resistance even after 30 laundry cycles.
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