ATR-FTIR Analysis on Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Bond (C-H) Formation and Carboxyl Content during the Ageing of DC Air Plasma Treated Cotton Cellulose and Its Impact on Hydrophilicity

Abstract

The surface of the cotton fabric was modified using a Direct current (DC) air plasma treatment and hence enhances its hydrophilicity. The Box-Behnken approach (design expert software) was used to optimise the input process parameters. The sample prepared under optimized condition is subjected to ATR-FTIR and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) studies in order to determine the changes in hydrogen bond energies (EH), Total Crystallinity Index (TCI), Hydrogen Bond Intensity (HBI), Lateral Order Index (LOI), functionalization, lattice parameters (a, b, c & β), degree of crystallinity (in %) and surface etching. The ageing of this sample has been studied by comparing the values of carboxyl content and AC-C/AC-O-C ratio calculated using data extracted from ATR-FTIR spectra of the sample recorded periodically for one month.