Atmospheric pressure plasma modification of polyester fabric for improvement of textile-specific properties

Polyester fabrics were treated by atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) to enhance hydrophilic behavior of the fiber surfaces. Damage of the fabric due to the APP exposure was not significantly observed. It was found that the APP exposure increased the wettability, oxygen concentration and roughness of the polyester fiber surface. As a result, the water wicking and antistatic property were successfully enhanced. Moreover, the detergency and the dyeability were found to be enhanced. It was found that the exposure of polyester fabrics to APP may help to improve its functional properties.