Optimization of plasma process parameters for surface modification of bamboo spunlace nonwoven fabric using glow discharge oxygen plasma

Abstract

In this study, Box–Behnken design was used to study the effect of optimization of plasma treatment on surface modification of bamboo spunlace nonwoven fabric. The effect and interaction of the process variables of glow discharge oxygen plasma treatment, i.e. discharge power, exposure duration and inter-electrode spacing on fabric characteristics such as mass per unit area, thickness, breaking force and elongation, air permeability, water vapour permeability and wicking were analysed. The optimum conditions of discharge power 650 W, exposure duration 55 s, and inter-electrode spacing 4 cm were arrived using response optimizer tool of Minitab software. The fabrics showed better characteristics in terms of air permeability, water vapour permeability, wicking and elongation and showed slight reduction in terms of fabric weight, thickness and breaking force. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectra analysis confirmed the increased functionality of the material after plasma treatment.

Revolutionizing Sustainable Nonwoven Fabrics: The Potential Use of Agricultural Waste and Natural Fibres for Nonwoven Fabric

“…In one study, surface modification of bamboo spun-lace nonwoven fabric was achieved using glow discharge oxygen plasma which had a profound impact on the surface properties and enhanced the air permeability, water vapour permeability, and wick ability characteristics of the fabric, and also caused a slight reduction in fabric weight, thickness, and breaking force. Plasma treatment increases the hydrophilicity of nonwoven fabric by introducing polar functionality on the surface and increasing the surface roughness and surface energy of the fabric [93].…”