Plasma surface modification of textiles for application of natural dyes

Abstract

Generally, clothes are constructed from woven or knitted fabrics, which can be made from natural or synthetic fibers or their mixtures. Natural fibers are characterized by their hydrophilicity, antistatic properties, and pleasant touch. Their ability to absorb water makes them susceptible to the action of microorganisms that change the textile's quality, resulting in an unpleasant odor and loss of color and strength. Wearing such clothes can also cause irritation and allergies. Besides natural materials used in textile industry, synthetic materials characterized by hydrophobicity and high mechanical properties are largely used for the production of sports clothing. In order to dye manmade fibers, synthetic dyes must be employed, which are harmful to the environment and can cause allergic reactions in humans. The dyeing of natural and synthetic materials with medicinal plant extracts improves the comfort and functionality of clothing. Plant extracts give color to textiles, and serve as antiallergic, deodorizing, and antimicrobial compounds, which is especially important when it comes to clothing used in medicine and sports. In order to promote the binding of components of medicinal plant extracts, certain modifications of the textile surface are required at the microscopic level, which can affect the wetting and dyeing ability. Plasma treatment can be considered as an alternative to conventional fiber modification procedures due to its appropriate environmental and economic acceptability.