Effect of atmospheric pressure plasma treatment on wettability and dryability of synthetic textile fibres

Polyester and polyamide fabrics were treated with plasma under atmospheric pressure for different durations, 3, 5 and 7 s. The wettability of polyester and polyamide fabrics, measured in terms of contact angle and longitudinal wicking, was improved after plasma treatment. The oxygen content of the fabrics was increased indicating that hydrophilic groups had been introduced into the fabric leading to the improved wettability. However, there was no obvious improvement in dryability because bulk properties of the fibres did not change. Moreover, with the help of plasma treatment, water repellency of the fabrics was greatly improved when water repellency finishing agent was added. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.