Water repellency, soil, modification

This fibre and fabric modification is based on photophysical and photochemical processes induced by exposure to plasma gases. Reactive gases are used to create chemical fibre surface modifications such as repellency of water, oil and soil and higher fibre resistance against aggressive chemicals. These modifications are mainly restricted to the fibre surface to avoid damaging the fibre bulk, for example... 

Chemical modification of the wax can improve smear resistance (5). Silicones, which do not harm furniture finishes (6), are incorporated as film-forming ingredients in furniture polishes. The lubricant properties of silicones improve ease of application of the polish and removal of insoluble soil particles. In addition, silicones make dry films easier to buff and more water-repellent, and provide depth of gloss, ie, ability to reflect a coherent image as a result of a high refractive index (7). Wax-free polishes, which have silicones as the only film former, can be formulated to deliver smear resistance (8). Another type of film former commonly used in oil-base furniture polishes is a mineral or vegetable oil, eg, linseed oil. 

Grafting on Fibers. By treatment with sodium hydroxide and a low degree of cyanoethylation, the moisture retention of cotton can be improved by as much as 14% (169). X-ray diffraction reveals a decrease in the crystallinity of the cotton, which provides the improved moisture retention (170). Modifications of fibers by grafting with acrylonitrile, followed by hydrolysis, produce water-receptive and soil-repellent fibers (171). Such treatments to nylon result in significant protein-coupling efficiency (172). Grafting onto polypropylene fibers enhances moisture absorption and dye absorption (173). 

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