Abstract:
This article focuses on the development of a
flame retardant coating for synthetic knitted fabrics using the
low-pressure plasma technology. Hexamethyldisiloxane
(HMDS)was used to enhance the flame retardant property of the
polyester knitted fabrics. The treated fabrics also exhibited
hydrophobic properties. The role of oxygen flow rate on flame
retardancy and hydrophobicity was investigated by varying the
oxygen flow rate from 0sccm to 100sccm. Degree of flammability
was determined by the ignition status and flame spread time if
ignited. It has been found that at least an oxygen flow rate of 60
sccm was required to stop the ignition of fabrics after exposure
time of 5 seconds to the flame. The elemental analysis confirmed
the presence of silicon groups on the surface. Durability of
coating was determined by subjecting the samples to multiple
cycles of washing. It is envisaged that this work on plasma
enabled hydrophobicity and flame retardancy will open up new
avenues to achieve functional properties on synthetics fabrics.
