Bilayer hydrogels crosslinked by vinylated Pluronic F127 micelles show independent thermo-, pH-, and salt-responsiveness, and outstanding toughness, which have great potentials for soft robotics, actuators, and artificial muscles.

Through its hydrophobic properties, polypropylene (PP) offers unique potential as a functional fiber for a wide range of applications, for example, in nonwovens for hygiene applications or as a baselayer in sports textiles. Current work is focused on the modification of PP presently used in baselayers for sports textiles to increase the hydrophilicity by use of a production scale plant for low pressure plasma treatment. Attention was directed toward an increase in hydrophilicity and time stability of the achieved modification during storage. Changes in the fabric were characterized by sorption of the cationic dye (methylene blue), water retention value, water transport properties, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and color measurement. The obtained results indicate an improved wettability and wicking. The extent of modification decreased with storage time and parallel yellowing of treated samples was observed. This indicates chemical rearrangement of the products initially formed on the fiber surface.