A Plasma Surface Treatment of Polyester Textile Fabrics Used for Reinforcement of Car Tires

Polyester tire cord surfaces have been modified by plasma at low temperature and atmospheric pressure. The surface treatment has been executed by various nonequilibrium discharges, namely by barrier discharge, atmospheric pressure glow discharge and gliding arc. The polymeric multicord sewing threads treated by this procedure have been used in the same form as in industry, i.e., with the protecting oil films on their surface. The surface properties have been investigated by electron spin resonance spectroscopy and by measuring their contact angle with various liquids; partially the zeta potential measurements have been used, too. Further tests have been done at an industrial testing impregnation line using the common technology and conditions, on both plasma treated and untreated fibers. Finally, the standard H-tests and peel-tests have been used to characterize the fiber adhesion to usual testing rubbers.