Low-temperature plasma modification of wool

Abstract

Low-temperature plasma treatment causes modification of specific wool properties (felting shrinkage, wettability, dyeability, printability, pilling) as a result of interaction between active plasma particles and fibre surface. The formation of new functional groups on the fibre surface, physical sputtering and reactive plasma etching occur during the plasma treatment. The changes are confined to the wool surface, leaving the fibre bulk properties unchanged. Adequate choice of plasma treatment parameters provides options to achieve specific plasma-chemical reactions and consequently, the desired effects on the wool. This paper considers the influence of low-temperature plasma on the changes of chemical composition, morphological and electrokinetical properties of wool.