Surface modification of aramid fibers by atmospheric pressure plasma-enhanced vapor deposition

Abstract

Recent research results have indicated positive influences of inter-yarn friction on ballistic performance of woven fabrics and panels made from such fibers. The current investigation explores the effect of coating by means of atmospheric pressure plasma-enhanced vapor deposition with organic chemical (CH3)2Cl2Si on the inter-yarn friction. The scanning electron microscopy observations indicated that as the treatment time increases, more particles have been deposited on the surface of the fibers. The Fourier transform infrared spectra supported the existence of Si-O-Si vibration, which can be attributed to the chemical deposition. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis further supported the deposition of the chemical compound. Experiments were carried out to evaluate the coefficients of static and kinetic frictions between the yarns and the results showed that the inter-yarn coefficient of static friction was increased from 0.1617 to 0.2969 and that of the kinetic friction increased from 0.1554 to 0.2436, as the treatment time increased to 4 minutes. In addition, there is evidence that the mechanical properties of the treated yarns were not negatively affected by the treatment.

Plasma Treatment in Textile Industry

“…Inter‐yarn coefficient of static and kinetic friction has increased. In addition, there is evidence that the mechanical properties of the treated yarns were not negatively affected by the treatment . A similar research on plasma aramid/phenol composites, despite the superior mechanical properties of the plasma composite, showed a lower ballistic behaviour than that of the untreated composite.…”

Plasma-Enhanced Vapor Deposition Process for the Modification of Textile Materials

“…The substance and the substrate would be constantly subjected to the plasma until the process is finished. Since high-performance fiber is somewhat inert to normal chemical reactions, the PECVD treatment would be an ideal choice to make chemical or physical changes to these fibers [10].…”

“…To date, friction between yarns has been found to be one of the important parameters in the soft body armor design. The research of Chu et al [10] focused on coating the aramid yarns with the PCVD technology at the atmospheric pressure (APPCVD); the schematic of the setup is shown in Figure 3. An organosilicon compound (CH 3 ) 2 Cl 2 Si was selected as the precursor substance to be deposited on the surfaces of yarns [10].…”

“…Their research has led to the establishment of a feasible and valid method to increase the interyarn friction within ballistic fabrics to achieve enhanced ballistic energy absorption and to provide better protection against high-velocity projectile impact [10].…”

“…Schematic diagram for the setup of atmospheric pressure plasma-enhanced vapor deposition used[10].Plasma Science and Technology -Progress in Physical States and Chemical ReactionsThe research of Chu et al was concerned with the surface modification of Twaron yarns to increase the inter-yarn friction for the efficient improvement of ballistic fabrics.…”