Modification of silk surface by polymerization of fluoro-monomer in fluoro-surfactant solution

Polymer and Textile Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University,
Purulia-723 104, West Bengal, India
Department of Zoology, Lady Brabourne College, Suhrawardy Avenue, Beniapukur, Kolkata-700 017, India
E-mail: jayantajune@gmail.com
Manuscript received online 01 December 2020, accepted 20 December 2020

Non-wettability is a renowned avenue for designing a vast array of smart and advanced materials. In this context, water-repellent
surfaces have been prepared. Thin polymer coatings were successfully fabricated on silk surfaces through the admicellar
polymerization technique by using fluoro-surfactant and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyl acrylate (PFDA monomer) system and
potassium persulfate (K₂S₂O₈) as an initiator. The water-repellent properties induced to the treated surface were examined
by analyzing the halting-time of the waterdrop on its surface and its contact angle values. The structural morphology of the
fabricated surface was assessed by SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) studies. FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) analysis
was done to elucidate the structural changes of the surface after the surface modification. Results authenticated that a substantial
degree of hydrophobicity has been imparted to the silk surface.