摘要 |
Plastic components exposed to a washing chamber of a washing machine are treated with a fluorine-containing gas mixture for improving the stain resistance and drying performance of the plastic components. In accordance with the invention, a plastic component is placed in a reaction chamber and exposed to a gas mixture containing fluorine and oxygen for a sufficient amount of time for the gas mixture to react with the plastic component such that the gas mixture modifies at least a surface layer, thereby enhancing the resistance of the plastic component to staining, while improving drying performance characteristics. Plastic dishwasher components that may be treated by the gas mixture include a dishwasher tub, a door liner, spray arms, racks, silverware baskets, a pump housing, and the like. Washing tubs, agitators, baffles and the like of clothes washing machine could also be advantageously treated.
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