Investigation of atmospheric plasma in textile finishing

This study aims to investigate the usability of plasma pretreatment before bleaching in textile finishing. Atmospheric pressure air plasma treatment was applied to 100% cotton rib raw fabrics. Samples were bleached at three different temperatures (90–100–110°C) and two different duration (30–60 minutes). Hydrophilicity and whiteness values, which were intended to be imparted to the sample by bleaching, were measured. Bleached samples were pre-mordanted using Potassium aluminium sulfate (alum) and dyed using chlorophyll natural dye. Colour measurements of the dyed samples were made. Air plasma applied to the fabrics has shortened the samples’ sinking time and improved their hydrophilicity. While bleaching temperature has an effect on the whiteness measured after bleaching, the effect of plasma treatment has not been statistically significant. Colour and K/S values were measured after dyeing 5% and 10% pre-mordanted samples with chlorophyll natural dye. It’s been found that the colour values are similar, and there is no statistical difference observed between the K/S values.