Ultraviolet Curing for Surface Modification of Textile Fabrics

In this study, cotton, polyester and polyamide fabrics were treated by radical or cationic ultraviolet curing of different commercial products conferring water and oil repellency. Moreover, radical ultraviolet curing of chitosan was applied to confer antimicrobial properties. The advantages of this technology are well known making it very interesting for industrial applications: energy savings, low environmental impact, simple, cheap and small equipment, high treatment speed. The polymerization was controlled through weight gain and gel content measurements, while the properties of hydro and oil repellency were determined in terms of contact angle, moisture adsorption and water vapor permeability. The polymer distribution on fabric surfaces was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. However the fabrics treated with chitosan were subjected to the standard test for determining the antimicrobial activity. Finally the finished cotton samples were subjected to washing fastness tests.