Surface modification of meta-aramid fiber with Excimer UV lamp

Poly-metaphenylene isoplithalamide (or meta-aramid) fabrics were irradiated with a KrCl* excimer lamp (lambda=222 inm) at atmospheric pressure. Irradiated meta-aramid fabrics were characterized by K/S value and fastness measurements. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the irradiated surface was carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Compared with meta-aramid fabrics, polyester fabrics were irradiated and measured as well. The results showed that the K/S values of meta-aramid fabrics increased slowly with irradiation time, while that of polyester fabrics increased greatly. And neither meta-aramid fabrics nor polyester fabrics were improved color fastness by UV irradiation. However, it made the rougher surface and polar surface groups of meta-aramid fiber like polyester fiber.