Surface modification of silicones

1. A process for modifying a silicone elastomeric-based surface of a textile article, said process comprising:

subjecting the silicone elastomeric-based surface of the textile article to vacuum ultraviolet radiation;

wherein the vacuum ultraviolet radiation is performed using a low-pressure mercury lamp; and

wherein the coefficient of friction of the silicone elastomeric-based surface is reduced by at least 5%.

2. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the silicone elastomeric-based surface of the textile article consists of silicone elastomer.

3. The process according to claim 2 , wherein the silicone elastomer is the reaction product of a hydrosilylation or peroxide cure of an alkenyl-functional organopolysiloxane and a Si—H functional organopolysiloxane.

4. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the textile article is an airbag.

5. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the textile article is a silicone elastomer coated airbag.

6. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the textile article is coated, and is subsequently subjected to vacuum ultraviolet radiation.

7. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the vacuum ultraviolet radiation is performed on a conveyor belt.

8. A textile article having a silicone elastomeric-based surface, which surface is modified by the process according to claim 1 .

9. The textile article according to claim 8 , wherein the silicone elastomeric-based surface has a modified surface layer of less than 1 mm in thickness.

10. An airbag formed by the process according to claim 1 .

11. A parachute formed by the process according to claim 1 .

12. An outdoor textile formed by the process according to claim 1 .