Cold plasma treatments.(Finishing)

A surface treatment for materials, including textiles, that reduces the need for using large quantities of water, as well as polluting and toxic substances, is the subject of International Patent WO 03/100156.

Researchers from the Universita' degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca and Stazione Sperimentale per la Seta, both in Milan, Italy, say their process can be continuous and involves the use of a cold plasma of sulphur hexafluoride ([SF.sub.6]) or mixtures including this gas.

According to the inventors, the treatment gives fabrics a softer handle, repellency to w