Preparation and properties of nano-SiO₂-coated wool fibers

Abstract

Nano-SiO₂-coated wool fibers were prepared by coating nano SiO₂ onto wool fibers pretreated by low-temperature plasma (LTP) irradiation. The morphologies and structures of coated wool fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and fourier transformation infrared spectrometry. The results show that after LTP irradiation, the surface structure of wool fibers was changed and new chemical bonds were formed; nano-SiO₂ combined well with the wool fibers and formed a functional layer on the surface of wool fibers. Compared with parent wool, the coated wool fibers had better thermal stability, breaking strength, elongation, and frictional property.

Keywords:

• surface treatments
• coated wool fibers
• mechanical properties