Cotton fabric surface treatment by plasma-deposited hexamethyldisilazane thin films

Abstract

In the realm of fabric finishing, achieving the best wettability in cotton fabric is often a desired outcome. To accomplish this, a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system was used to deposit Hexamethyldisilazane (HMDSN) thin films onto cotton fabric for two different durations: 15 and 30 minutes. Various fabric properties were evaluated to determine the effectiveness of the treatment, including wettability, surface morphology, chemical structure, the effect of deposition on fabric stiffness, and the film fastness on the abrasion and washing. These properties were assessed using SEM, FTIR, and Martindale tester. Results indicated that both treatment durations improved the fabric's wicking ability. However, the film did not have a good fastness on abrasion and washing.