Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSSs) on polymers have been widely studied in the last decade. There are two main types, namely high-fluence and low-fluence induced structures [1]. When the laser energy is below the ablation threshold (low-fluence), sub-micrometer size structures are developed on the polymer surface within a narrow fluence region [2]. Morphology of the irradiated surfaces is examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and surface chemical changes are investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Topographic results reveal that stripes formed on the polyamide fiber within a fluence region 10 to 18 mJ/cm2. XPS results show that the irradiated sample has higher oxygen content than prior to laser irradiation and therefore exhibits shorter wetting time. The degree of crystallinity is studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). There is no significant change in crystallinity after laser irradiation, indicating that only surface modification is achieved. The study on surface luster shows that excimer laser irradiated fabric has more uniform fabric glossiness than the untreated one. Fabric whiteness decreases after the laser irradiation. While air permeability and thermal property are only slightly changed. This experimental works suggest that low-fluence laser irradiation can be used as an unconventional method to modify polyamide fabrics.
Keywords: Excimer laser, low fluence, polyamide, sub-micron structure
Reference:
1. Yip J., Chan K., Sin K.M. and Lau K.S., “UV Excimer Laser Modification on Polyamide Materials: Effect on the Dyeing Properties.” in Polychar-9 World Forum on Polymer Applications and Theory. 2001. Denton, Texas, U.S.A: University of North Texas.
2. Yip J., Chan K., Sin K.M. and Lau K.S., “Study of Plasma-Etched and Laser-Irradiated Polyamide Materials.” in Polychar-9 World Forum on Polymer Applications and Theory. 2001. Denton, Texas, U.S.A: Univeristy of North Texas.
By: Joanne Yip1, Kwong Chan1, Kwan Moon Sin1, Kai Shui Lau2 1Institute of Textiles & Clothing, The Hon
Submit Date: 12/31/1999 20:00