Surface modification of synthetic and natural-fiber fabric using a theta-pinch device

Abstract

In this research, polyester, nylon, silk and cotton fabrics were surface-modified by 20 and 40 shots of plasma oxygen and nitrogen plasmas generated from a theta-pinch device. SEM photographs revealed etching effect on the surface of all plasma-treated fabrics causing the surface roughness. The wetting time measurement indicated an enhancement of the surface hydrophilicity with increasing number of plasma shots due to the formation of hydrophilic groups on the fabric surface. This is confirmed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. However, burning characteristics of all plasma-treated fabrics were unchanged after exposing to the plasma. After dyeing with selected dyes, it was found that oxygen and nitrogen plasma treatments did not affected dyeing properties and colorfastness to washing of highly hydrophilic silk and cotton fabrics. However, the gas type and the number of plasma shots significantly affected these two properties of PET and nylon 6 fabrics. In order to improve thes properties, optimum conditions for surface modification of PET and nylon 6 fabrics were achieved when 20 shots and 40 shots of nitrogen plasma were applied, respectively