Plasma Technologies for Textiles

Plasma technologies present an environmentally-friendly and versatile way of treating textile materials in order to enhance a variety of properties such as wettability, liquid repellency, dyeability and coating adhesion. Recent advances made in commercially viable plasma systems have greatly increased the potential of using plasma technology in industrial textile finishing. This pioneering book provides an essential guide to both the technology and science related to plasmas and its practical applications in the textile industry. The first part of the book discusses the science and technology behind plasmas. Chapters give detailed and comprehensive descriptions on the characteristics of plasmas and methods of control and treatment in the processing of textiles. Both low pressure cold plasma and atmospheric pressure cold plasma processes are described as well as the diagnosis and control of plasma parameters in plasma generating reactors. A chapter is devoted to the use of plasma technology to achieve nanoscale treatment of textile surfaces. The second part of the book concentrates on specific applications of plasma technologies. Chapters cover treatments for water and oil repellency of textiles, engineering of biomedical textiles and woollen finishing techniques through the use of plasma technologies. Further chapters cover the modification of fibres for use in composites and the potential use of plasma technologies for the finishing of fabrics made of man made fibres. The final chapter in the book gives a comprehensive analysis of the surface chemical and physical characterisation of plasma treated fabrics. Written by a distinguished international team of experts, Plasma technologies for textiles is an invaluable reference for researchers, scientists and technologists alike.