Improved Properties of Oxygen and Argon RF Plasma-Activated Polyester Fabrics Loaded with TiO2 Nanoparticles

Abstract

The potentials of low-pressure capacitively coupled RF oxygen and argon plasmas for the activation of polyester fibers surface that can enhance the deposition of colloidal TiO2 nanoparticles were discussed. SEM and XPS analysis confirmed the plasma-induced morphological and chemical changes on the surface of polyester fibers. Oxygen and argon plasma pretreated polyester fabrics loaded with TiO2 nanoparticles provided maximum reduction of Gram-negative bacteria E. coli and UV blocking. The self-cleaning effects tested on blueberry juice stains and photodegradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution proved excellent photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles deposited onto fiber surface. Although both plasmas significantly contributed to overall improvement of properties of such nanocomposite textile material, oxygen plasma treatment, in particular, enhanced the deposition of colloidal TiO2 nanoparticles and thus ensured superior effects.