Radiation induced graft polymerization of fluorinated methacrylate onto polypropylene spunbond nonwoven fabric

Radiation-induced grafting technique is one of the most promising methods to improve functional properties of textile materials. This work reports the grafting of 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate (TFEM) onto polypropylene (PP) spunbond nonwoven fabric via gamma irradiation to improve its hydrophobicity. The effects of monomer concentration, solvent type, atmospheric condition, and irradiation dose on the degree of grafting were investigated. As characterized by SEM, FTIR, and NMR, the appearance and chemical characteristic of grafted fabric were completely altered compared to the original fabric. The grafted fabrics illustrated impressively high water contact angle of 125 degree. Moreover, the grafted fabrics maintained great hydrophobicity after the tests of chemical, thermal, UV, mechanical, and washing durability. These results suggested that grafting of 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl methacrylate onto PP spunbond offered a potential method to generate reusable hydrophobic fabrics.