Use of low-level plasma for enhancing the shrink resistance of wool fabric treated with a silicone polymer

This study examines the effects of an atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) pre-treatment on the shrink resistance of wool fabric treated subsequently, by the pad/dry method, with an aqueous emulsion of the amino-functional polydimethylsiloxane, SM 8709. Optimal shrink resistance (with no impairment of fabric handle) was obtained after a low-level plasma treatment (1-3 s exposure time), using 5% of the polymer emulsion. Higher levels of silicone polymer could be used to achieve shrink resistance in the absence of a plasma pre-treatment, but the fabric handle would be adversely affected. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies showed that the bulk of the covalently bound surface lipid layer was removed after a plasma exposure time of 30 s. For treatment times of 3 s or less, however, the removal was incomplete, suggesting that optimum shrink resistance (after treatment with the silicone polymer) was associated with the modification of the surface layer rather than its complete destruction. Scanning electron micrographs (SEMs) revealed that the plasma pre-treatment did not lead to any physical modifications (such as smoothening of the scale edges), even for long exposure times, and had no significant impact on the extent or nature of the inter-fibre bonding of the polymer. Confocal microscopy showed uniform spread of polymer on single fibres. It is concluded that the main impact of the plasma pre-treatment was to enhance the distribution of polymer both on and between fibres and to improve adhesion of polymer to the fibre.

To say goodbye loop

A composition that has a deep and longing feel to it. It evokes loss and love and features guitar, drums, synths and gated vocals in the bridge.

(Joyful pop-rock) heaven (mandolin rock)

A short and uplifting composition that is joyful in tone. Heaven is a track that is predominantly played on a real electro-acoustic mandolin - a versatile and sweet sounding instrument that punches above its weight to create a modern pop rock sound. The other sounds are a sampled bass, drums and a synth pad.

(Joyful pop-rock) heaven (mandolin rock) LOOP

A short and uplifting composition (looped) that is joyful in tone. Heaven is a track that is predominantly played on a real electro-acoustic mandolin - a versatile and sweet sounding instrument that punches above its weight to create a modern pop rock sound. The other sounds are a sampled bass, drums and a synth pad.

(Joyful pop-rock) heaven (mandolin rock) no intro hits

A short and uplifting composition that is joyful in tone. Heaven is a track that is predominantly played on a real electro-acoustic mandolin - a versatile and sweet sounding instrument that punches above its weight to create a modern pop rock sound. The other sounds are a sampled bass, drums and a synth pad.

Ambient cinematic guitar rock

A short instrumental that is ambient in style and would suit cinematic types of projects. Guitar, bass, drums and a synth pad feature in this composition.

Ambient guitar intro

A short instrumental featuring guitar chords, ambient synth pads, electronic drums and synth bass.

Ambient short SOUNDSCAPE

A short instrumental featuring electric piano and a synth pad. A soundscape composition.

Ambient slide guitar short

A short instrumental featuring slide guitar, drums, a synth pass and pad.

Angel drops stinger

and on is a short instrumental featuring a nylon stringed acoustic guitar with an echo, chorus and tap reverb added to the tail, piano, and two synth pads.

Antagonist CHILL OUT LOOP

A relaxed chill out loop.

Arpeggio magic (piano and timpani)

Just over a minute long this piano arpeggio plays out a joyful melody and dramatic timpani, cymbals and vocal pads assist the journey.

Arpeggio magic stinger (piano and timpani)

A stinger featuring piano arpeggio in dramatic fashion with timpani, cymbals and vocal pads.

Ballroom reprieve (cinematic short)

A short cinematic styled composition featuring an edited piano phrase and synth pad.

Bansuri flute stinger INDIA

A short composition featuring an Indian bansuri flute, percussion and a soft synth pad.