Improvement on Hydrophobicity of Synthetic Textiles by Plasma Treatment – A Review

Abstract

Microencapsulated organic thermochromic pigments may have varied industrial applications, such as in windows and greenhouse roofs. Two black coloured commercial microencapsulated pigments from A and B brands are used in this work. The study is conducted with UVA irradiation, and simulation of atmospheric conditions (weathering tester QUV). After a few degradation cycles, the colour of the substrate becomes a yellowish hue, which suggests that chemical degradation of the components of the microcapsule has occurred. Some tests that include DSC are carried out in order to obtain information on the composition of the microcapsules.

Extraction with organic solvents provides several fractions that are analysed by ¹H-NMR and IR. It is concluded that the material of the microcapsules is melamine formaldehyde and two of the core components are probably crystal violet and benzotriazole, which are assumed to act as a UV absorber and promoter of proton transfer. SEM analyses of the pigments before and after degradation show that the microcapsules maintain their shape. A study is also implemented on the effect of adding DABCO to the suspensions of the pigments, which are then irradiated with UV light. A somewhat protecting effect is observed.

Citation

Lopes, F., Neves, J., Campos, A. and Hrdina, R. (2009), "Improvement on Hydrophobicity of Synthetic Textiles by Plasma Treatment – A Review", Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, Vol. 13 No. 1, pp. 78-89. https://doi.org/10.1108/RJTA-13-01-2009-B008