Comparison between nano and micro silicon softener on corona discharge-treated cotton fabric

The main purpose of this research is comparing the micro and nano-silicone softeners on the properties of corona plasma discharge-treated cotton fabric. The cotton fabric was treated by corona discharge, and then treated and untreated cotton fabrics were coated by silicone and nano-silicone softeners at different concentrations. The stiffness, water absorption time and crease recovery angle tests were measured. Surface morphology of fabrics was observed by means of Scanning electron microscopy. FTIR/ATR spectroscopy was used for determination of surface chemical bonding. The stiffness and water absorption were reduced upon increasing the concentration of softener, and crease recovery angles of samples were increased upon upraising the softener concentration. Scanning electron microscopy showed that corona treatment on cotton fabric made a rough surface with some cracks on the fiber, and nano particles covered the surface of cotton and corona-treated cotton fabrics. FITR/ATR spectroscopy of corona plasma-treated cotton showed the presence of carboxylic acid group. Corona plasma discharge treatment caused chemical and physical changes on the fiber surface. The nano silicon softener coating can be used on untreated cotton, but corona treatment is more efficient for the silicon softener.