Synergistic Effect of Argon Plasma Treatment and HDTMS Coating for Making Superhydrophobic Jute Fabric

This study investigates the surface modification of jute fabrics through the synergistic effect of RF plasma etching and hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS) chemical processing, aimed at enhancing its de-wetting properties. RF plasma treatment promotes the availability of functional groups on the surface that subsequently supports HDTMS coating to make a durable superhydrophobic jute surface. The jute fabric was treated at 30 W, 60 W, and 90 W RF power for 5, 10 and 15 min, respectively followed by coating with a 2% HDTMS solution in ethanol. The chemical, morphological, and wettability properties of these samples were investigated by various characterization techniques. ATR-FTIR spectra reveal modifications in the functional groups, such as –CH₂ and –OH stretching is decreased after the plasma treatment, whereas HDTMS increases the –CH₂ stretching. From SEM, it is observed that the debris and wax present on the surface, was removed after the plasma treatment and additional porous textures were generated at 90 W power treatments. The fibrillary structure of jute is visible after the plasma treatment in SEM images, which is covered by HDTMS coating and makes it superhydrophobic. Wettability tests were performed to assess the water resistance properties of the jute. There is ~ 220 times enhancement in the de-wetting time and a 50% reduction in the adhesive force observed for 90 W (10 min) + HDTMS treated jute compared to raw jute. The findings demonstrate a significant enhancement in superhydrophobic characteristics, confirming the effectiveness of the combination of RF plasma and HDTMS treatment for improving the functionality of jute fabrics.