Effect of Weave Geometry on Surface Energy Modification of Textile Materials via Atomic Layer Deposition

Abstract

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has recently been demonstrated as a novel method for the creation of nanoscale coatings on fiber-based materials. The ALD process has proven effective in altering the surface energy of both woven and nonwoven materials. In this work, the effect of fabric weave geometry on the behavior of ALDmodified fabrics has been studied. Aluminum oxide ALD was used to modify a series of fabric weaves which were then analyzed using sessile contact angle measurements. The experimental results demonstrated the ability of the ALD process to modify the surface energy of a variety of weave structures, regardless of the inter-fiber spacing within the yarns. At the same time, the amount of fiber spacing, which is influenced by the weave geometry, changes the effect of the ALD coatings on fabric hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity. The results of this work demonstrate the versatility of the ALD process when modifying woven fabric structures and its potential as a method for nanoscale textile finishing.