Enhancing Hydrophilicity of 100% Cotton Fabric Using Negative Corona Plasma: Correlation Study between Energy Dose and Gap Distance Optimality

Herli Darliawati, Zaenul Muhlisin, Fajar Arianto

Abstract


This study investigates the characterization and optimization of surface treatment for 100% cotton fabric using a wire-plane Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) system operated with Negative Corona DC voltage. The primary objective was to determine the optimal electrical and geometric parameters for enhancing surface hydrophilicity without damaging the material. The methodology involved systematic Current-Voltage (I-V) characterization to identify stable discharge modes and subsequent plasma irradiation of cotton samples at varying time intervals and gap distances. Results indicated that the system successfully transitioned from a spark discharge to a stable non-thermal DBD mode at larger gap distances (greater than or equal to 3.9 cm) due to the dominance of gas gap impedance. Functionally, the plasma treatment significantly improved wettability, reducing water absorption time by over 60% through the functionalization of polar groups on the cellulose surface. The efficiency of activation was governed by the cumulative energy dose, with 30 minutes identified as the optimum irradiation time. Furthermore, a gap distance of 4.5 cm yielded slightly superior absorption times compared to 3.9 cm, implying that gap geometry influences the chemical composition of reactive plasma species. These findings offer a controlled protocol for sustainable textile finishing.


Keywords


Negative Corona DC treatment, Cotton fabric, Hydrophilicity, Surface modification, Sustainable textiles.

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.52155/ijpsat.v55.1.7730

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