Development of a hybrid corona-dielectric barrier discharge for surface properties modification of textiles

Abstract

A critical aspect in the development of polyamide textiles is the surface properties modification to enhance the dyes absorption processes, quality and functionality. The aim of this work is to develop a hybrid corona-dielectric barrier discharge for surface properties modification of textiles. The raw material initially chosen for plasma treatment was the mesh fabric of 6.6 polyamide due to their physical and chemical properties, and variety of applications. In order to investigate the increment of functional groups for using in technical and medical textiles and optimize the beneficiation process by reducing the consumption of dyes, water and energy, the fabrics will be exposed to the plasma generated in a hybrid corona-dielectric barrier discharge operating in atmospheric pressure with a controlled environment using different gases, power, electrodes gaps and exposure times. Tests to determine static and dynamic contact angle will be performed to check the moisture absorption, dyeing kinetics and colorimetry to enhance the efficiency process and manufacturing costs. For characterizing the surface morphological properties and roughness will be used Atomic Force Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy techniques. The FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy) and XPS (X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy) techniques will be used to evaluate the increment of functional groups on the plasma treated surfaces and mark out the development of a kinetic/chemical model for plasma/surface interaction. (AU)