Influence of plasma processing parameters on mechanical properties of wool fabrics

Abstract

Wool fabric has been treated with low-temperature plasma using a di-electric barrier discharge plasma reactor under atmospheric pressure. Air was used as the non-polymerizing

gas for plasma treatment. The effect of plasma process parameters, viz voltage (4.0, 4.5, 5.0 and 5.5 kV) and the inter-electrode spacing (2, 3 and 4 mm) on the properties of wool fabric has been studied. Breaking strength, breaking elongation and low-stress mechanical properties of the treated and untreated wool fabrics are evaluated. Surface topographical changes after plasma treatment of wool have been assessed by scanning electron microscopy. It is found that the tensile, bending, compression, shear, and surface properties depend on the applied voltage and the inter-electrode spacing. As the applied voltage across the electrodes is increased and the inter-electrode spacing is decreased, the etching effect of active species in plasma over the wool substrate is increased. This results in improved tensile properties at breaking load, increased bending and shear rigidity, and decreased extension at low loads.