Hydrophilization mechanisms of cotton fibers following corona discharge

Abstract

Use of a CORONA discharge in na air atmospheric hás been shown to be a very effective way of increasing the hydrophilicity of the cotton fibre or yarn without affecting its integrity. The treatment involves a high-voltage plasma discharge, and leads to chemical and physical changes to the waxy cuticle layer of the fibre without significantly damaging the cellulose backbone. Increased wetting of fibres is observed, together with a decrease in the pH of water in contact with the cotton. Atomic force microscopy has shown changes in the surface morphology, while formation of carboxylic acid groups is suggested from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Support for this is presented from infrared spectral studies on cuticle material extracted before and after CORONA discharge.