Fabrication of asymmetric wettability silk fabrics with plasma-induced grafting polymerization of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane

Abstract

Most superhydrophobic surfaces contain fluorine, which is very harmful to the environment. So, it is necessary to change the situation. This paper explains that a simple and fluorine-free plasma technology for superhydrophobic modification of silk fabrics by using one-sided protection method and low-temperature plasma induced grafting polymerization of octamethyl-cyclotetrasiloxane (D4) to form the superhydrophobic films. Treated silk and pristine silk fabrics were measured using field emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS), and water contact angle measurement. The test results showed that the polymer films could be successful coated on the silk fibers surface via the low-temperature plasma. In addition, it has good durability, thermal stability, and a water contact angle of 152°.

Keywords:

• Superhydrophobicity
• silk fabric
• fluorine-free
• low-temperature plasma
• D4

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (no. 52103068 and No. 51773181) and Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province (no. LY21E030019).