Graft-polymerization of a hydrophobic monomer onto PAN textile by low-pressure plasma treatments

In order to confer a good and durable water and oil repellence to polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fabrics, the fluorinated monomer 1,1,2,2, tetrahydroperfluorodecyl acrylate (AC8) was graft-polymerized onto PAN samples using a low-pressure microwave (MW) plasma process. The property was achieved by creating covalent bonding between the PAN fabrics and the fluorinated polymer. The grafting and the polymerization processes were followed by weighing measurements, XPS, IR(ATR) spectroscopies and SEM. The impermeability of the fabrics and the durability of the coating were investigated by Schmerber tests. Moreover, these tests allowed us to appreciate the effect of a reorientation of the fluorinated chains at the surface and also the role played by the addition of a small amount of a cross-linking agent on the surface properties.