Plasma treatment for producing hydrophobic and hydrophilic coatings on fabric surfaces

Abstract

This study examines the formation of hydrophilic and superhydrophobic surfaces using atmospheric-pressure plasma jets, with a particular emphasis on developing durable waterproof coatings for textile materials. The effects of plasma treatment on the structural and chemical properties of the substrates were analyzed, along with the influence of key technological parameters such as discharge power and the composition of the plasma-forming gas. Argon (Ar) was used as the primary plasma gas, while hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) vapor served as the precursor for hydrophobic coating formation. Surface hydrophilicity was evaluated after one and ten treatment cycles using Ar plasma at a flow rate of 40 mL/s and a discharge power of 200 W. Superhydrophobic coatings were produced under similar plasma conditions, with a gas mixture of Ar + HMDSO introduced at 20 mL/min. Contact angle measurements were performed to assess changes in wettability and to quantify the hydrophilic or superhydrophobic character of the treated surfaces. The results demonstrate that plasma treatment enables effective tuning of surface hydrophobicity and that the resulting coatings exhibit stable performance when exposed to various liquids.