Characterization of hydro- and oleo-repellent pure cashmere and wool/nylon textiles obtained by atmospheric pressure plasma pre-treatment and coating with a fluorocarbon resin

We describe the hydro- and oleo-repellent modification of pure cashmere and wool/nylon textiles by means of an atmospheric pressure plasma treatment followed by an impregnation with a fluorocarbon resin. Plasma treatments of both fabrics were realized with a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in humid air (air/water vapour mixtures), while the finishing process was performed in a foulard system, with an aqueous dispersion of a commercial fluorocarbon resin (FCR). A deep characterization allowed us to study the wettability, the surface morphologies and the chemical composition of the modified textiles. The chemical properties of the untreated and of the modified fabrics were investigated with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). SEM analyses coupled with a complete energy dispersive X-ray system (EDX) allowed us to investigate the distribution and the uniformity of the FCR on the fibres of the coated fabrics. Results show the importance of the plasma activation step to obtain a uniform coverage of the fibres with the FCR, which enhances the hydro- and the oleo-repellent properties of the modified fabrics.