Abrasive Finishing of Cotton Fiber by Low Temperature Plasma.

Cotton fiber was modified by low temperature plasma of air, oxygen and argon and the effects on flexual rigidity, suppleness, water absorption etc. of cotton fiber was investigated. The rate of abrasion with 13.56 MHz-waves was faster than wiht 20 kHz-waves. Abrasion rate was greater when the discharge current was increased, and the rate was in the order of oxygen > air > argon plasma. There appeared the optimum abrasion depending on gas pressure. When cotton fiber was modified by low temperature plasma treatment, flexual rigidity decreased and suppleness increased. Water absorption increased, as did also crease resistance, drying rate and degree of crystallinity. Values for equilibrium moisture regain, dyeability of reactive dye and direct dye decreased. Soil release increased after air and oxygen plasma treatment. Tear strength retention of treated cotton broad was 73.8% in warp and 77.0% in fill.