Surface modification of Angora rabbit fibers using dielectric barrier discharge

Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) of Helium and Helium + air modify the surface of Angora rabbit fibers. DBD treatment carried out at different power densities, changes the morphology and chemical composition of the surface of Angora fiber. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results reveal that the DBD treatment eliminates fibrosity from the fiber surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) spectrum confirm the increase in oxygen bonding at the surface. These changes reduce shedding of the fibers and improve dye-uptake property. However, even after 10 min of plasma exposure the thermal insulation (heat keeping ratio) of Angora fibers nearly remain unchanged. It has been noticed that DBD treatment (10 min) reduces whiteness of the fiber. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.