Optimization of plasma process parameters for surface modification of bamboo spunlace nonwoven fabric using glow discharge oxygen plasma

In this study, Box–Behnken design was used to study the effect of optimization of plasma treatment on surface modification of bamboo spunlace nonwoven fabric. The effect and interaction of the process variables of glow discharge oxygen plasma treatment, i.e. discharge power, exposure duration and inter-electrode spacing on fabric characteristics such as mass per unit area, thickness, breaking force and elongation, air permeability, water vapour permeability and wicking were analysed. The optimum conditions of discharge power 650 W, exposure duration 55 s, and inter-electrode spacing 4 cm were arrived using response optimizer tool of Minitab software. The fabrics showed better characteristics in terms of air permeability, water vapour permeability, wicking and elongation and showed slight reduction in terms of fabric weight, thickness and breaking force. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectra analysis confirmed the increased functionality of the material after plasma treatment.