Surface modification of cotton fabrics using plasma technology

Abstract

The present paper reports the effect of plasma treatments on the surface properties of textile fibers. In the present investigations mainly air plasma and dichlorodifluoromethane (DCFM) plasmas were used. Measurement of the contact angle, wicking properties, and dyeability of cotton fabrics subjected to various conditions of plasma treatments have been carried out. It was observed that while air plasma produced enhanced water wicking, DCFM plasma resulted in producing a highly water-repellent, hydrophobic surface. The contact angle increased dramatically for the DCFM plasma-treated fabrics up to 140°. It was also observed that plasma treatment has improved the dyeing behavior of cotton fabrics when reactive and natural dyes were used. On the other hand, the dyeability was found to have slightly decreased when direct dye was used.