Polymer materials can be functionalized with different surface treatments. By applying nanoparticles in coating, excellent antimicrobial properties are achieved. In addition, antimicrobial properties are enhanced by hydrophobic surface modification. Therefore, the goal of this work was to modify the process parameters to achieve excellent hydrophobicity of polymer surfaces. For this purpose, a Design of Experiment (DoE) statistical methodology was used to model and optimize the process through six processing parameters. In order to obtain the optimum and to study the interaction between parameters, response surface methodology coupled with a center composite design was applied. The ANNOVA test was significant for all variables. The results of the influence of process parameters showed that, by increasing the pressure, concentration of hydrophobic compounds and dye concentration, water vapor permeability was enhanced, while by decreasing weight, its efficiency was enhanced. Moreover, the increase in the temperature enhanced water vapor permeability but decreased the resistance to water wetting. An optimal process with ecologically favorable 6C fluorocarbon (68.802 g/L) surpassed all preliminary test results for 21.15%. The optimal process contained the following parameters: 154.3 °C, 1.05 bar, 56.07 g/L dye, 220 g/m² fabric. Therefore, it is shown that DoE is an excellent tool for optimization of the parameters used in polymer surface functionalization.

In this work, aramid fibers were used to develop new, high-performance fabrics for high-temperature protective clothing. The research was based on the impact of the weave structure on fabric resistance to radiant heat. The goals of the research were primarily related to the development of new fabric structures created by the weave structure, which gives better protection of the body against high temperatures in relation to the standard weave structures that are used today. According to the results obtained it can be concluded that the fabric weave significantly affects the fabric structure, which consequently determines the effectiveness of protection against high temperatures. The justification for the use of multi-weft and strucks weave structure, which provides greater thermal protection and satisfactory breathability than commonly used weave structures, was ascertained.

For the purpose of this research, six types of woven fabrics with different proportions of bicomponent carbon fibres (CF), differently distributed in the fabric, were woven and tested. Fibre composition in the core and sheath was determined with X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Two types of bicomponent CF were selected which are characterised by different proportions of carbon and other polymers in the fibre core and sheath and different cross-sections of the fibres formed during chemical spinning. Physical-mechanical properties were investigated, as well as deformations of fabrics after 10,000, 20,000 and 30,000 cycles under biaxial cyclic stress on a patented device. Tests of the surface and vertical electrostatic resistance from fabric front to back side and from the back side to the fabric front were conducted. According to the obtained results and statistical analyses, it was concluded that the proportion of CF affects the fabric’s physical and mechanical properties, the electrostatic resistance as well as the deformations caused by biaxial cyclic stresses. A higher proportion of CF in the fabric and a higher proportion of carbon on the fibre surface, gave lower electrostatic resistance, i.e., better conductivity, especially when CFs are woven in the warp and weft direction. The higher presence of CF on the front of the fabric, as a consequence of the weave, resulted in a lower surface electrostatic resistance.

This paper explores the influence of structural and structural characteristics of woven fabric made from meta aramide yarns on their thermal properties and properties associated with comfort. The aim of the research is related to the objectives of the project that supports this study and publication of this paper, which is development of woven fabric with improved thermal protection properties, produced on conventional weaving machines and designed by various fabric structures on the front and the back of the woven fabric with the selection of high performance fibers.