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 (PSch.) 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.