Modification of Surface Energy and Wetting of Textile Fibers

Abstract

The modification of the surface energy of textile fibers to improve functional prop‐ erties such as the wettability was reviewed. This modification can be achieved by physical or chemical methods or by the combination of both. Applications of plas‐ ma treatment to improve the wettability of natural and synthetic fibers were consid‐ ered and some methods of wettability measurement were mentioned. Subsequently the methods aimed to confer water and oil repellency were discussed and the treat‐ ment by UV curing of fluorochemicals was explained in detail. Finally the sol-gel techniques useful to modify the surface properties of textiles were introduced and the results of water and oil repellency achievable by sol-gel were presented.