Effect of Plasma-Induced Polymerization on Contact Angle of Paper

Hydrophobic modification of cellulose fibres was conducted by plasma-induced polymer grafting in an attempt to increase the hydrophobicity of paper. Two hydrophobic monomers, i.e., butyl acrylate (BA) and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2-EHA) were grafted on cellulose fibres, induced by atmospheric cold plasma. Various influencing factors associated with the plasma-induced grafting were investigated, including the contact time and reaction temperature with monomers, and the dosage of monomers. Contact-angle measurement, infrared spectrum (IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to ascertain the occurrence of the grafting. The results showed that the hydrophobic property of the modified paper sheet was improved significantly after the plasma-induced grafting. The water contact angle on the surface of the paper reached up to higher than125°.