Multi-sided metallization of textile fibres by using magnetron system with grounded cathode

Abstract

The synthesis of coatings on textiles fibers enables functionalization of their properties e.g.: changing the reaction on IR radiation. In our experiment, a magnetron with a grounded cathode and positively biased anode was used as a source of plasma. A ring anode was positioned at 8 cm distance from the cathode. Samples of glass and cotton textile were placed at the plane of the anode. Ti and TiN coatings were deposited by sputtering of titanium target in Ar or Ar+ N 2 atmosphere. SEM studies showed that, using the magnetron system described above, the textile fibers were covered by the 2 µm to 3 µm thick coatings. Unexpectedly, the coatings were deposited at both sides of the samples: the front side was exposed to glow discharge plasma and the backside was completely shaded from the plasma. IR optical investigation exhibited significant change in reflectance and transmittance of the coated textiles. The using of standard magnetron system (grounded anode and cathode at negative potential) resulted in a coating deposition at the textile side exposed to the plasma action only. We believe that the multi-sided deposition of coatings observed during the process run with magnetron with grounded cathode is a result of an ambipolar diffusion mechanism in the anodic potential drop region.

Application of Physical Vapor Deposition in Textile Industry

“…Chodun et al [38] worked on multilateral metallization of textiles using the magnetron system with a grounded cathode. The source of plasma was the magnetron with a grounded cathode and positive anode.…”

“…Chodun et al [38] glass and cotton fabrics magnetron system with a grounded cathode titanium, titanium nitride The titanium coating was found to have the lower transmission and was more reflective. Cracks and delamination were visible.…”

Carbon-Based Coatings in Medical Textiles Surface Functionalisation: An Overview

“…Aside from the fabric structure differences such as knitted textiles, woven textiles, and non-woven textiles, a variety of other factors may influence the adhesion between the sputter film and textile substrates, such as surface morphology different surface chemical properties, and porosity size of the fiber materials. When adhesion was lacking, it was feasible to significantly improve adhesion by correctly correcting inadequate fiber surface activation, thermal expansion coefficient discrepancies, and internal stress [40]. The adherence of coatings and fabrics can be improved by plasma pretreatment of the fabric substrates.…”

Recent Progress in Magnetron Sputtering Technology Used on Fabrics

“…Through magnetron sputtering technology, metallization of the fabric surface can be realized [ 30 ]. Surface metallization endows fabrics and fibers multiple functions [ 31 ], such as antibacterial, antistatic, anti-ultraviolet, electrical conductivity and electromagnetic shielding properties, etc. The metalized fabrics can be used for medical materials, anti-eavesdrop materials, decorative materials, radar reflective materials, military tents and pregnancy protection cloth, etc.…”

“…For this kind of fabric substrate, the different surface chemical property, surface morphology and porosity size of the fiber materials can also cause differences in adhesion between coatings and substrates, besides the fabric structure differences such as knitted fabrics, woven fabrics and nonwoven fabrics, etc. When the adhesion was not good enough, it was possible to significantly improve the adhesion by appropriately improved the insufficient activation of fibers surface, internal stress, and differences in the thermal expansion coefficient [ 31 ]. Plasma pre-treatment of the fabric can increase adhesion between films and fabrics.…”