Surface properties of low-temperature plasma treated wool fabrics

Induced surface properties of wool fabrics created by the sputtering of low-temperature plasma treatment, such as surface lustre, wettability, surface electrostatic and dyeability, have been investigated. After the low-temperature plasma treatment, the treated wool fabric specimens exhibited better hydrophilicity and surface electrostatic properties at room temperature, together with improved dyeing rate. Study of the surfaces of the specimens showed that low-temperature plasma treatment did not effect any changes in the glossiness of the specimen. Scanning electron microscope observation illustrated the occurrence of some grooves on the fibre specimens that might possibly provide a pathway for a faster dyeing rate. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.