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■Bio-mathematics, Statistics and Nano-Technologies: Mosquito Control Strategies

(TensoLab3 2512A Mesdan S.P.A., Brescia, Italy) [41]. Here only the warp of the fabric

was tested. The test was conducted with a constant speed of 100 mm/min, the load cell

ID/FS was 5/500 kg and pretension 5 N. In this way the maximum force and elongation at

maximum force respectively the force and elongation at rupture can be measured.

15.3

RESULTS

SEM images presented in Figure 15.1, demonstrate clearly the preservation of the fiber

structures of all three materials used after both plasma treatments. Depicted are the pure

fabrics (first row), O2 plasma treated (second row) and the two a-C:H coated ones (last two

rows). In comparison to the pure fabrics the O2 plasma treated ones appear more contrasted

indicating a good cleaning process [16 - 23]. The images show clearly that the a-C:H

coatings on each fabric sample are intact, except for the cotton fibers with 60 nm a-C:H

(Figure 15.1 d), where the coating does not appear to be complete. Small delaminations

are noticeable, which could be caused by the rougher overall structure of the fiber. It is also

apparent that the thin films only coat the fiber surfaces and do not cover the entire fabric. A

very smooth and uniform coating is especially achieved with PET fibers (Figure 15.1 k, l),

in line with earlier studies for PET polymer [21]. This is also observable for the PET fiber

content in the COT/PET mix (Figure 15.1).

The results for the air permeability tests, an important performance factor of textiles

which can be used to provide an indication of the breathability of weather-resistant and

rainproof fabrics, are shown in Figure 15.2 (two upper rows). The finishing with IO in com-

bination with WG and the plasma treatments cause a change in the length of airflow paths

through a fabric. Due to different fabric weaves (Cotton: Oxford, PET: single, COT/PET:

2/2 twill), findings are considered separately for each material used. The results for air per-

Figure 15.1: SEM images of the pure (first row), O2 plasma treated (second row) and a-C:H

coated fabrics (last two rows).