Effect of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Parameters on Certain Properties of Natural Polymeric Material (Cotton) Fiber

Abstract

Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma reactor, operated at atmospheric pressure was used for modifying the properties of bleached plain woven cotton fabrics. Cotton fabric was treated at 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 kV electrode current for 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 min in the presence of air plasma, in order to establish the chemical effect on cotton fiber. Some properties such as wick-ability, absorbency, tensile strength, tear strength, dye-ability; FT-IR analysis and surface morphology analysis were carried-out as well. The outcomes revealed that, plasma treatment resulted in surface etching, generation of carboxylic and carbonyl group contents in cotton fiber. The increased carbonyl and carboxylic group content resulted in enhancement of fiber wettability and rate of fabric vertical wicking. The reactive dyes uptake of treated samples were increased almost linearly but decreased with increased treatment time and intensity of voltage across the electrodes. A slight increase in tensile and tear strength was found in air plasma treated fabrics. Yellowness of the fabric was increased after plasma treatment. The SEM micrographs confirmed the atmospheric plasma could modify the fiber surface outwardly.