Application of Low-Temperature Air Plasma for the Enhancement of Defense Fabric’s Self-Cleaning Property

Abstract

Self-cleaning textiles have the potential to revolutionize the lives of people like military personnel and hikers who spend extended periods of time in the sun and have restricted access to washing facilities. This research aims to develop the self-cleaning capability of defense uniforms by utilizing air plasma treatment and applying TiO₂ nanocoating. Following plasma treatment of differing durations (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 min, respectively), a pad-dry cure method was employed to apply a TiO₂ coating to each sample, while keeping other processing parameters constant. SEM, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet protection factor (UVPF), energy-dispersive X-rays, and a water contact angle test were performed in order to validate the air plasma-induced surface modification. There was a gradual escalation in the rate of TiO₂ absorption with an extension of the plasma treatment duration. Afterward, the samples were stained with various organic and inorganic compounds, including oil, ink, soil, and coffee, and subsequently exposed to sunlight for a period of 6 h. The samples demonstrated an enhanced cleaning effectiveness with increasing quantities of TiO₂. The reflectance value and visual assessment of washed sample showed a reduced yet still present self-cleaning characteristic. The UVPF of the samples increased gradually as the duration of plasma treatment increased due to the UV absorption properties of TiO₂, as validated by measuring the band gap energy.