Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for treating an elongated object using a plasma process. The method comprises the steps of providing an elongated object in a planar electrode structure, and applying potential differences between electrodes of an electrode structure to generate the plasma process. Further, the method comprises at least partially surrounding the elongated object by a unitary section of the guiding structure, the electrode structure being associated with the unitary section.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for plasma finishing of fibrous materials including paper and knitted, woven and non-woven fibrous substrates such that desired characteristics are imparted are described. The method includes depositing a monomer comprising at least one fluorocarbon monomer with chemical additives, as required, at atmospheric pressure onto the paper or knitted, woven or non-woven substrate; exposing the monomer on a single surface of the fibrous material to an inert gas, atmospheric-pressure plasma, thereby causing polymerization of the monomer species; and repeating this sequence using multiple sequential deposition and plasma discharge steps to create a layered surface having durability against abrasion for both water-based laundry methods and dry-cleaning methods, and normal wear, without affecting the feel, drape, appearance or breathability of the substrate material. The present method uses a high-power, continuously operating plasma that is 104 times more powerful than the prior art plasma sources utilized in the textile industry, and produces a durable finish with between 0.5 and 2 s of plasma exposure. This is sufficiently rapid to meet commercial fabric processing throughput, and repeated cleaning of the electrodes is not required.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for treating an elongated object using a plasma process. The method comprises the steps of providing an elongated object in a planar electrode structure, and applying potential differences between electrodes of an electrode structure to generate the plasma process. Further, the method comprises at least partially surrounding the elongated object by a unitary section of the guiding structure, the electrode structure being associated with the unitary section.
Abstract:
Fabrics are treated with a hydrophobic treatment that includes at least one hydrophobic monomer and a crosslinker. The treatment is low in volatile organic compounds and water. It is a liquid at 22° C. or a suspension having a phase that is liquid at 22° C. The monomer and crosslinker are cured in a free radical polymerization to form a hydrophobic coating on a fibrous substrate.
Abstract:
A method of forming a liquid repellent coating on a surface of a substrate, where the surface is exposed to a monomer in a plasma process under conditions that maintain the monomer in situ for a period of time to allow a polymeric layer to form on the surface, wherein the conditions comprise at least one cycle of varying pressure.
Abstract:
An item of footwear having a liquid-repelling polymeric coating, obtained by a plasma treatment process, provided over at least part of a surface thereof, said item also being provided at the region on the inside upon which the wearer's foot rests with a liquid-absorbing foot supporting footbed. Items of this type provide improved comfort for the wearer.
Abstract:
The present invention fabricates a hydrophobic and oleophobic polymer fabric through two stages of modification using atmospheric plasmas. The modified fabric has a rough surface and a fluorocarbon functional group having the lowest surface free energy. The fabric has a grafted fluorocarbon monomer layer to enhance the graft efficiency of the fluorocarbon functional groups and its wash fastness. The atmospheric plasmas can be mass produced and less expensively. Hence, the present invention can rapidly modify surfaces of polymeric materials with low cost and good environment protection.
Abstract:
A method of coating a surface with a polymer layer, which method comprises exposing said surface to a plasma comprising a monomeric unsaturated organic compound which comprises a chain of carbon atoms, which are optionally substituted by halogen; provided that where the compound is a perhalogenated alkene, it has a chain of at least 5 carbon atoms; so as to form an oil or water repellent coating on said substrate. Suitable compounds for use in the methods are compounds of formula (I) where R1, R2 and R3 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, haloalkyl or aryl optionally substituted by halo; provided that at least one of R1, R2 or R3 is hydrogen, and R4 is a group X—R5 where R5 is an alkyl or haloalkyl group and X is a bond; a group of formula —C(O)O(CH2)nY— where n is an integer of from 1 to 10 and Y is a bond or a sulphonamide group; or a group —(O)pR6(O)q(CH2)t— where R6 is aryl optionally substituted by halo, p is 0 or 1, q is 0 or 1 and t is 0 or an integer of from 1 to 10, provided that where q is 1, t is other than 0. The method is particularly useful in the production of oil- and/or water repellent fabrics.
Abstract:
A method for treating an item which, in use, is subjected to flexing, to reduce its susceptibility to water penetration over time during use, said method comprising forming a water repellent coating or surface modification on the surface of the item by ionisation or activation technology.
Abstract:
A method for protecting an item from weight gain due to uptake of liquid comprising exposing said item to plasma in a gaseous state for a sufficient period of time to allow a protective layer, particularly a polymeric layer, to be created on the surface of the item.