Surface modification of polypropylene fiber for hydrophilicity enhancement aided by DBD plasma

Low-wetting low-hydrophilicity polipropylene fiber has been treated by means of non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge plasma. The fiber has been characterized before and after the treatment by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and industrial tests of submersion in water. The cold plasma was generated in a helium–air mixture at a 2 kHz frequency and 12–18 kV potential. The treatment periods ranged from 1 min up to 3 min. The results present an increase in the oxygen content which rose from 2.5% to 4.8%. SEM analysis reveals a surface change of the fiber with the formation of nodules, which is confirmed by AFM. Water submersion experiments show an enhancement of the hydrophilic capability of the samples.