Interaction of low-temperature plasma with knitted fabric based on natural cellulose fibers

The influence of low-temperature plasma on a knitted fabric of natural cellulose fibers is considered. It is shown that the plasma ion energy is sufficient for the waxy layer destruction. It was determined that the ion bombardment and the paraffin vaporization lead to disintegration of the natural waxy fiber layer and cause the defects in paraffin layer. The local ruptures of carbon chains of alkane molecules of the paraffin layer are caused by the lowenergy plasma ions bombardment and the ions recombination. The alkyl radicals which react with the plasma gas particles and with each other were identified. As a result of reactions of radicals, the hydrophilic functional groups was evaluated by IR spectroscopy and secondary ion mass spectrometry. All these changes facilitate the penetration of the working solutions in the fiber. Plasma effect leads to an increase in the hydrophilic properties of the material and can replace the liquid processes of preparing knitted fabrics for dyeing.