Surface graft copolymerization of hydrogen silicone fluid onto fabric through corona discharge and water repellency of grafted fabric

Surface graft copolymerization of hydrogen silicone fluid (HSF) onto poly(ethylene terephthalate)(PET) fabric through corona discharge and the properties of grafted fabric were studied by contact angle measurement, ESCA, water impact penetration test, SEM and tensile strength measurement. The results show that with corona discharge time the degree of grafting is increased. With the content of dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and triallyl cyanurate (TAC) in graft reaction medium, the degree of grafting is increased, then is reduced after passing a maximum DCP/TAC of 2/2 g per 100 ml HSF. After 0.5 min of corona discharge in the reaction medium the PET fabric exhibits a high contact angle to water upto 127°. However, the contact angle is decreased for a longer duration of corona discharge due to oxidation of the grafted layer. The water repellency of the grafted PET fabric is greatly improved as compared with that of untreated PET fabric. The tensile strength of PET fabric after corona discharge grafting remains unchanged, and no damage is observed on surface morphology.