The Hydrophobization of a Nanofiber Layer Using Low-Vacuum Plasma

Abstract

Nanofiber materials offer a wide range of use in various production fields, e.g., different types of filtration, or areas requiring high hydrostatic resistance. They are made from different polymers, some of which are more hydrophobic than others, for instance some types of polyurethanes and polyvinylidene fluoride. However, even these polyurethanes cannot guarantee a high hydrophobicity of the final nanofiber material. To increase this desired property, we have to use the so-called hydrophobic substances like fluorocarbon. The nanofiber layer has to be prepared so that its pores do not get blocked, which would worsen its filtration capability and air permeability. This is why a roll-to-roll low-vacuum plasma was used in our case for creating a fabric with nanofiber layer for the clothing industry. The result is a nanofiber material with a hydrostatic resistance higher than a 15,000 mm water column. Under suitable conditions, we can produce a nanofiber membrane for clothing with thermophysiological properties similar to those of membranes produced with different principles, e.g., nanoporous membranes. The nanofiber membrane provides us desirable properties such as stability during repeated washing.

Foundations of plasma surface functionalization of polymers for industrial and biological applications

“…Typical treatment times are between a second and several minutes for surface functionalization of polymers on the experimental scale, and less for industrial applications. Industrial low-pressure plasma reactors are often equipped with a roll-to-roll system to enable the modification of polymer surfaces in the continuous mode [42].…”