Modification of polyester and polyamide fabrics by different in situ plasma polymerization methods

In order to increase the hydrophilicities, and therefore to impart soil resistance and to improve dyeability, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and polyamide (PAm) fabrics were treated in low-temperature plasmas. Five different modification types were applied. Fabrics were directly treated in acrylic acid, water, air, O-2 and argon plasma. The plasma conditions (i.e., exposure time and discharge power) were changed to control the extent of plasma surface modification. Wettability, soil resistance and dyebility of PET fabrics were significantly improved by this method. More hydrophilic surfaces were created by all the methods.