Improved properties of cotton by atmospheric pressure plasma polymerization deposition of sericin

Cotton fabric was exposed to an atmospheric pressure glow discharge (APGD) ignited by high voltage and helium. Ultrasonic atomization of an aqueous sericin solution injected as an aerosol into the APGD zone gave rise to the rapid deposition of a functionalized plasma polymer film. Sericin coating onto the cotton surface was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, and the chemical composition was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was found that the plasma power could affect the chemistry of the coating. The treated fabrics were tested for UV resistance, crease recovery angle, and water uptake. Results showed that these properties had been improved. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers