Low Temperature Plasma/Metal Salts Treatments for Improving Some Properties of Polyamide 6 Fibers

The effect of plasma treatments with oxygen and argon gases on some properties of polyamide 6 fibers is thoroughly investigated. The treated fabric with oxygen plasma is further treated with some metal salts solutions such as copper sulfate, nickel sulfate, and silver nitrate to study their effect on the antibacterial properties of polyamide fibers. The changes induced in roughness, wettability, and dyeability of polyamide 6 fabric are given. The surface morphology of treated fabric is characterized by using scanning electron microscopy. Density and crystallinity of the treated fabric are also evaluated. The antibacterial activity of treated polyamide 6 fabrics with oxygen plasma/metal salts solutions is improved. The dyeability and fastness properties are also enhanced.