| abstract |
The present invention describes a novel process for the conformal coating of polymer fibers on nonwoven substrates. This process is based on the modification of polymer fiber surfaces by controlling the degree of etching and oxidation, which improves adhesion of initiators to the surface and facilitates subsequent conformal polymer grafting. The modified fiber surfaces render new functionalities to the surface, such as increasing hydrophilicity, attaching ligands or changing surface energy. The invention includes the modified polymer fibers produced by the process described herein. |