Modification of polyester and polyamide fabrics by different in situ plasma polymerization methods

In order to increase the hydrophilicities, and therefore to impart soil res istance and to improve dyeability, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and p olyamide (PAm) fabrics were treated in low-temperature plasmas. Five differ ent modification types were applied. Fabrics were directly treated in acryl ic acid, water, air, O-2 and argon plasma. The plasma conditions (i.e., exp osure time and discharge power) were changed to control the extent of plasm a surface modification. Wettability, soil resistance and dyebility of PET f abrics were significantly improved by this method. More hydrophilic surface s were created by all the methods.