TREATMENT OF FIBROUS MATERIALS USING ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE PLASMA POLYMERIZATION

摘要

Apparatus and method for plasma finishing of fibrous materials are disclosed. The method includes depositing a monomer comprising at least one fluorocarbon monomer with chemical additives, as required, at atmospheric pressure onto the fibrous material; exposing the monomer on a single surface of the fibrous material to an inert gas, atmospheric-pressure plasma, thereby causing polymerization of the monomer species; and repeating this sequence using multiple sequential deposition and plasma discharge steps to create a layered surface having durability against abrasion for both water-based laundry methods and dry-cleaning methods, and normal wear, without affecting the feel, drape, appearance or breathability of the substrate material. The present method uses a high-power, continuously operating plasma that is 10. sup 4 times more powerful than the prior art plasma sources and produces a durable finish with between 0.5 and 2 s of plasma exposure, whereby repeated cleaning of the electrodes is not required.