Multifunctional silk fabrics by means of the plasma induced graft polymerization (PIGP) process

An argon plasma induced graft polymerization (PIGP) process has been used to impart durable flame retardancy to silk fabrics. Phosphate and phosphoramidate monomers are known to be especially effective as flame retardants and have been used in this work for this application. Furthermore, water repellent finishing on silk fabrics could be achieved by means of SF6 plasma treatment. The grafting and the polymerization processes taking place on the surface of the textile were followed by weighing measurements, IR(ATR) spectroscopy, XPS and SEM. The flammability of the treated fabrics was investigated by thermogravimetric analyses, heat of combustion (THC and HRR) and LOI measurements. The fastness properties have been evaluated as well.