Application of atmospheric pressure plasma technology for textile surface modification

Abstract

This paper gives an overview of atmospheric pressure plasma types used in the textile industry and recent developments in plasma treatments of textiles. It investigates the topic of the influence of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment on the surface properties of materials made from natural and synthetic fibers. Through plasma induced physical and chemical reactions occurring in the textile surface layer, significant modifications in micromorphology and reactivity can be achieved. In addition to cleaning, etching, and activation, great efforts have been made in the development of plasma polymerization processes under atmospheric pressure. Utilization of atmospheric pressure plasma technology in the textile industry offers a new perspective on surface modification and functionalization. This paper gives a summary of textile properties achieved using plasma and the underlying processes based on relevant findings obtained from prominent research.

Biofunctionalization of Natural Fiber-Reinforced Biocomposites for Biomedical Applications

“…In the case of a plasma vacuum, the gas is introduced at a low pressure in a vacuum chamber causing ionization by means of atom removal or bond rupture, giving rise to free radicals and crosslinking. However, this method requires an expensive closed system and is considered a batch process [64,65]. The treatment with atmospheric plasma is more attractive for industry, as it allows the samples to be treated in situ rather than restricted to a vacuum chamber.…”

“…These discharges induce ionization of the nearby atmosphere generating plasma. The fiber is placed in the gap between the electrodes and is bombarded with high-speed electrons, inducing surface oxidation and increasing the amount of high reactive free radicals [64,67]. It is a low-cost process with low energy consumption and exhibits several advantages compared with others plasma treatments [48].…”

“…The plasma is launched into the surrounding air in the form of a plume or bullet, directly into the sample. This process can provide a local and very precise treatment [64]. APPJ is suitable for industrial and research applications, namely treatment of heat-sensitive materials, biological material sterilization and several biomedical devices [71].…”

Physicochemical Studies on the Surface of Polyamide 6.6 Fabrics Functionalized by DBD Plasmas Operated at Atmospheric and Sub-Atmospheric Pressures

“…Despite the excellent aforementioned properties, due to their nature, PA6.6 fibers have weaknesses in terms of hydrophobicity and low surface energy, which reduce clothing comfort, coloring, and adhesion properties for large-scale industrial applications [ 10 , 11 ]. These issues generate high economic and environmental costs for the textile industry, mainly related to chemical pretreatment that consumes large amounts of chemical compounds, water, and energy [ 12 ]. Chemical treatment is used as a method of the functionalization of PA6.6 fabrics, i.e., it creates new functionalities for textiles, in many cases enabling new applications [ 9 , 13 ].…”

“…This dry method has the advantages of being environmentally friendly, worker friendly, operating at atmospheric or sub-atmospheric pressure, and can modify the surface of the textiles without affecting their bulk properties, in addition to being suitable for most heat-sensitive polymeric textile materials [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ]. The types of plasmas most used on textiles are used at atmospheric pressure, namely (i) plasma jet (PJ), (ii) glow discharge (GD), (iii) corona discharge (CD), and (iv) dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 19 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 ]. Among them, DBD technology appears as a promising method for the functionalization of polymeric textiles.…”