Surface characteristics and printing properties of PET fabric treated by atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge plasma

PET (Poly ethylene terephthalate) fabric was treated using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) as a type of low temperature plasma under atmospheric pressure for 1 to 15 min and different powers ranging between 0.3 to 5 W. Effects of DBD treatment on the surface of a test PET fabric are examined, reported and discussed. The surface analysis and characterization were performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transition infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and following the DBD processing. SEM analysis shows significant surface morphology changes in plasma treated polyester fabric surface, while FTIR analysis indicates that the reactivity of the surface was increased. The discharge parameters used are correlated with the changes in the surface characteristics found after DBD processing of various durations, in atmospheric air environment.