SURFACE STRUCTURING OF SYNTHETIC-POLYMERS BY UV-LASER IRRADIATION - PART IV - APPLICATIONS OF EXCIMER-LASER INDUCED SURFACE MODIFICATION OFTEXTILE MATERIALS

Excimer laser irradiation of polymers can be used to generate a modifi cation of the surface morphology at the irradiated regions. The normal ly smooth surface of synthetic fibres can be modified by this non-cont acting technique to a regular, roll-like structure, which has a great effect on general properties of the fibre, e.g. adhesion of particles and coating, wetting properties and optical appearance. Examples of pr actical, textile applications of this effect for modification of macro scopic properties of fabrics and non-wovens are discussed. In the labo ratory, UV-laser irradiation was used to change the optical appearance of fabrics and to improve dust filtration properties of non-wovens. T he adhesion of pigment dyes and particles on poly(ethylene terephthala te) and polyamide fibres could be greatly improved. Improvement of las er treated high performance fibres adhesion towards rubber and epoxy r esin has been demonstrated. Some other applications of W-laser treatme nt of polymeric material are briefly discussed. (C) 1998 SCI.