Towards multifunctional surfaces using the plasma-induced graft-polymerization (PIGP) process:: Flame and waterproof cotton textiles

In order to produce multifunctional surfaces, water-repellent treatment combined with fire retardant finishes on cotton fabrics have been investigated by using the cold plasma technique. Three different protocols involving Ar plasma-induced graft-polymerization (PIGP) of flame retardant monomers (acrylate phosphate and phosphonates derivatives) combined to a water-repellent treatment - CF4 plasma treatment or Ar plasma induced graft polymerization of 1,1,2,2, tetrahydroperfluorodecylacrylate (AC8) - are proposed. The Limiting Oxygen Indices (LOI) and Schmerber pressures (P-Sch) were measured to evaluate the flame retardant and the water-repellent character, respectively. The obtained results have shown that for each protocol the flame retardant monomers investigated (DEAEP, DEAEPN) were compatible with a water-repellent treatment. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.