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 self-cleaning, 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 degrees. As tested by the water spray AATCC test and hydrocarbon resistance test, the as-prepared fabric gained 100 degrees (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.