Plasma-induced graft polymerization on the surface of aramid fabrics with improved omniphobicity and washing durability

Durable superomniphobic surfaces are desirable for their practical applications,including selfcleaning,non-fouling,protective clothing and the separation of liquids.The plasma-induced polymerization of environmentally friendly C6 from a perfluoralkyl methlacrylate copolymer emulsion,AG-E081,was performed and a durable omniphobic fabric was achieved.C6 is an ecological alternative to C8(eight CF2 groups)fluorinated compounds,and it was thereafter successfully incorporated into aramid fabric to achieve a durable superomniphobic surface.The fabric became water and oil repellent with an extremely high water contact angle of 180°.As tested by the water spray AATCC test and hydrocarbon resistance test,the as-prepared fabric gained 100°(ISO 5)and grade number 4 respectively.Furthermore,the fabrics also showed significantly improved washing durability after ten washing cycles.By scanning electron microscopy(SEM),Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR)and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS)tests,it is indicated that the durable superomniphobicity can be attributed to the roughness and activation of the aramid surface by the plasma pre-treatment,which induces more adsorption and chemical graft of the C6 copolymer.