Effects of sequential plasma modification and alkali treatment applied to cellulose fibers on the properties of the paper

Abstract This study investigates the effects of plasma treatment, alkaline treatment, and their sequential application on eucalyptus cellulose fibers and laboratory-made paper sheets. Handsheet samples were prepared from eucalyptus cellulose under four different conditions: untreated (control), plasma-treated, alkaline-treated, and plasma-treated followed by alkaline treatment. The untreated eucalyptus cellulose handsheets served as the control group. Plasma treatment was performed in air under a vacuum of 89.2 kPa using a 100 kHz radio frequency at a flow rate of 0.6 L/min. The samples were exposed to 200 W of radio frequency power for 2 min on both sides. Alkaline treatment was applied at concentrations of 1 and 3 wt%. In the sequential treatment, the alkaline solution was applied at the same concentrations following plasma modification on both sides under the same conditions. An increase in plasma intensity and treatment duration resulted in a decrease in dry tensile strength. Overall, the use of modified fibers had a significant impact on the water absorption properties of the handsheets. This study highlights the potential of sequential fiber modification to enhance paper properties and supports the development of more sustainable paper-based products.