Plasma treatment of wool today. Part 1 – Fibre properties, spinning and shrinkproofing

Abstract

This paper gives basic information pertaining to the plasma treatment of wool top considered as an industrially feasible process. The results presented here are based on experience gained over five years with the world's first prototype machine for continuous treatment of wool tops with glow discharges. The machine capacity is estimated for 40 kg/h and the top breaks during processing no longer pose a problem as the number of breaks is no more than 0. 12 breaks per 1000 m of top. Plasma treatment of wool top does not damage the fibres; the fibre/fibre friction increases but the differential frictional effect decreases. Other physical properties of wool remain unchanged with the exception of a slight decrease in the loop breaking force. The tenacity of yarns spun from plasma–treated wool top is higher by about 25% and elongation at break point is also higher compared with standard yarns. Plasma treatment considerably reduces the felting potential for any product obtained from modified wool. Good hand washability is usually achievable in a ‘plasma only’ process; an environmentally acceptable plasma/polymer process is also available.

Physical Methods for Cleaning and Disinfection of Surfaces

“…9) [196]. Plasma has also been used for cleaning of glass and ceramics [197] and fibers [198][199][200][201], including desizing, which refers to the removal of polyvinyl alcohol from the surface of cotton added to protect the fibers during weaving process. O 2 proved to be most efficient for plasma generation.…”

Colour Fading of Textile Fabric by Plasma Treatment

“…In the enzymatic colour-fading, the action of enzyme and mechanical agitation will abrade �bre surface, and cotton �bre would be released resulting in weight reduction. As a result, aer enzyme treatment, weight loss was observed because of the enzymatic hydrolysis which could not be avoided, but a high degree of enzymatic hydrolysis was not expected [10]. e hydrolysis is required to obtain the desired effect of colour removal.…”

Pretreatments of Textiles Prior to Dyeing: Plasma Processing

“…They act as barriers for diffusion processes, which adversely affects sorption behavior of fibres. Oxygenated plasma treatment of wool fabrics results in removal of the lipid layer and scales from the fibres leading to the improved wetting, dyeing and shrink resistance (Hartwig Höcker, 2002;Hesse 1995;Meade et al, 2008;Rakoweski, 1997). The effect of plasma of non-polymerizable gases on wool fabric is discussed quantitatively (Kan et al, 1999).…”