In this study, a microwave plasma treatment was used
to impart hydrophobic properties to hydrophilic cotton fabrics
(which is composed of 99% cellulose, after scouring
and bleaching). The hydrophobic agent used was oleic acid
(CH3(CH2)7CH CH(CH2)7COOH), a monounsaturated fatty acid
derived from various plant seed oils and animal fats. The amount
of grafted fatty acid was determined by gravimetric method and
Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy. The hydrophobicity of the
samples was measured by dynamic contact angle of water.