Low Temperature Plasma Treatment of Linen

Low temperature plasma treatments are applied to linen with oxygen and argon at various discharge power levels and exposure times. Their effects on bulk structure, surface morphology, flax fiber properties, and related fabric properties are investigated with a range of analytical methods. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals that the surface oxygen content of the plasma treated samples increases, which is supported by the results from fabric whiteness tests. Formation of voids and cracks on fiber surfaces is revealed by scanning electron microscopy. There is no significant change in x-ray crystallinity and cuprammonium fluidity, but there is a slight reduction in moisture regain for all plasma treated samples. Fabric weight loss increases with exposure time. Fabric water uptake and strength first increase and then decrease with prolonged exposure, whereas fabric bending rigidity, hysteresis, and wrinkle recovery improve slightly.