Improvement of dye adsorption on synthetic polyester fibers by low temperature plasma pre-treatment

Abstract

Adsorption of the dyes on the surface of the natural and synthetic polymer fibers, or weaved fabrics is created due to the effect of the intermolecular forces between fiber surface and the dye. Such forces are causing relatively strong bonding interaction between dye dipoles and the stained matrix. In the case of polymer and biopolymer materials the number of the dipoles is directly proportional to the number of polar groups in macromolecular side chains. The latter number of present dipoles is possible to be increased by several physico-chemical methods, e.g. fire treatment, chemical etching by strong acids, UV irradiation, corona discharge or low-temperature plasma treatments etc. In this communication the effect of low-temperature plasma treatment of polyester (PES) weaved fabric on dye adsorption to the surface of the studied substrate is discussed. Obtained increased dye selectivity to the stained matrix results in improved tinctorial strength, better economical effectiveness as well as to the improved ecology of the process.