Influence of low-temperature plasma treatment on properties of ramie fibers

Abstract

In this study, ramie fibers were treated under various low-temperature plasma conditions such as different output powers (100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 W) and irradiation times (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 min). The effects on fiber surface morphology, contact angle, friction and tensile properties were investigated. The results showed that properties of ramie fibers changed significantly after low-temperature plasma treatment. Compared with the untreated fibers, surface free energy increased 117.0 and 122.9%, friction coefficient improved 10.7 and 13.4% after 1 min-300 W and 3 min-100 W treatment. However, with the higher output power and the prolonged treatment time, low-temperature plasma treatment may cause damage to the tensile property of ramie fiber. Scanning electron microscopy showed that pectin and impurities covering of fibers were removed after low-temperature plasma treatment and alkali treatment, and the surface of ramie fiber was etched by low-temperature plasma treatment. Based on the analysis of experimental results, three groups (1 min-100 W, 2 min-150 W, and 3 min-200 W) were chosen as the following treatment process and compared with alkali treatment. It was found that properties of ramie fibers had more significant change after low-temperature plasma treatment.