| Abstract: | Argon plasma at atmospheric pressure was used to improve the wettability and dyeability of natural bamboo fibers. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) was employed to characterize the discharge. SEM and scanning probe microscopy (SPM) analyses show that the fiber surface becomes rougher after plasma treatment because of the effects of plasma bombardment and etching. The wettability and dyeability are significantly enhanced after plasma treatment. Longer treatment time, leading to rougher surface, results in better surface wettability and dyeability. These results reveal that atmospheric pressure argon plasma treatment is an effective method to improve the performance of bamboo fibers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
