Suitability of Confocal Raman microscopy for monitoring the penetration of PDMS compounds into cotton fibres

PDMS compound was chosen as a molecule-model for investigating the diffusion of silicon products into cotton bulk. The study demonstrates the suitability of Confocal Raman microscopy (CRM) to monitor the distribution of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) molecules into cotton fibres. Different molecular weights of PDMS compounds were used in two different solvents (water and hexane) at various temperatures (25, 50 and 60 °C). The surfaces of the fibres were studied with scanning electron microscopy and Confocal Raman microscopy was run to detect the PDMS on the surface and in the bulk of treated fabrics. We concluded that all PDMS compounds, irrespectively their molecular weights and the silicon oil infiltrate into cotton fibre. The penetration is strongly dependent on the solvent used. Water proved suitable for assisting the infiltration of low and medium molecular weight PDMS, at elevated temperatures. High molecular weight PDMS infiltrates better from hexane and at room temperature than from water.