Influence of Low-temperature Plasma Treatment on Cashmere Properties

Microwave low temperature plasma (LTP) which is a physical processing method is used to modify the physical and chemical properties of cashmere fiber, thus improve dye ability and printability. The paper mainly studies the effects of low temperature plasmas modification on the scale structure, the content of C, O, N and S, hydrophilcity, dyeing properties of cashmere fibers. The results show that low temperature plasmas treatment can make cashmere fiber scale edge blunted but keep in the integrity of scale structure. Hydrophilicity of cashmere fiber is improved as lipid substances exposed to the surface of fiber are damaged and yielding hydrophilic groups. Dyeing rate and dye uptake are improved because of the micro-etching of low temperature plasmas and yielding hydrophilic groups on cashmere fiber surface. Cashmere fiber modified by low temperature plasmas can be dyed at 80 degrees C. The application research of low temperature plasmas to cashmere fiber modification can improve the quality of cashmere products and reduce water and energy consumption.