Plasma Treatment of Silk Fabrics for Better Dyeability.

Abstract

Silk fabrics were treated with O2, N2, and H2 plasmas for deep dyeing and good color fastness to rubbing. C.I. (Color Index) Reactive Black 5 was used as a dye, and color deepness was evaluated by total K/S. All plasma-treated silk fabrics showed weight loss, especially by O2 plasma. Total K/S of dyed silk fabrics treated at 60 Pa of all plasmas was improved greatly. Total K/S increased with increasing plasma treatment time, weight loss of the fabrics in the treatment, and dye concentration in dyeing. They gained greater total K/S even dyed in 6% of dye concentration compared with untreated one dyed in 10%. Color fastness to wetrubbing of silk fabrics was not improved by plasma treatment. However, most of them were still within the level for commercial use.