Plasma Treatment
Plasma treatment is a surface modification process that applies electrically activated plasma to the surface of fabric to adjust wettability, adhesion, and dirt removal.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Plasma treatment is a process in which plasma generated at low temperature is brought into contact with the surface of fibers or fabric. It removes surface dirt and changes the chemical properties and fine unevenness of the surface to create a condition suitable for subsequent processes.
It is not a process that greatly changes the overall structure of the fabric or the interior of the fibers; it mainly acts on the surface. Therefore, even with the same plasma treatment, the properties obtained differ depending on the gas used, output, processing time, and material.
Features, Hand, and Function
A representative purpose is to improve wettability and adhesion so that dyes, printing inks, coating agents, adhesives, and the like more easily adhere to the fabric surface. It is sometimes used especially for synthetic fibers that tend to repel water on the surface, to stabilize subsequent finishing.
Unlike processes that apply chemicals to fabric, surface modification itself may be handled as a method that leaves no additives behind. However, the evaluation of the product as a whole, including the treatments and formulas applied before and after, must be done separately.
If the processing conditions are appropriate, it is a feature that function can be adjusted easily while suppressing changes in appearance, thickness, and hand. On the other hand, excessive processing may affect surface strength, color tone, gloss, and texture, so inspection of the actual material is important.
Main Applications
Plasma treatment is used as a pretreatment for printing, coating, laminating, and bonding. It is considered for applications that require improved adhesion to the material surface, and is also used for clothing as well as sports, outdoor, uniforms, and material applications.
It is not a process limited to specific items or seasons. It is also adopted for shirt fabrics, outerwear fabrics, and knit fabrics, depending on the material composition and purpose. Even when absorbency or adhesion is required, the combination of the base fabric structure, density, and finish is checked.
How to Choose and Handling Precautions
When selecting fabric, clarify what the process is intended to improve. Since evaluation methods differ by purpose, such as absorbency, print suitability, and adhesion, do not judge performance by the process name alone; check test results on the target material and performance after washing.
Shrinkage is mainly affected by the material, structure, heat treatment, and washing conditions. It cannot be said that plasma treatment prevents shrinkage, or that it always causes shrinkage. Before mass production, perform water soaking and washing tests, and reflect dimensional changes in the pattern and specifications.
No special sewing method is always required when sewing. However, when bonding, printing, or coating is performed after surface modification, check the appearance and adhesion around needle holes, seam allowances, and friction areas, and determine the sewing sequence and processing sequence.
- Washing durability varies depending on the material, processing conditions, and whether there is post-processing.
- Surface properties may change depending on the storage time after processing, so confirm the conditions up to post-processing.
- When dyeing or printing, evaluate hue, depth, and fastness on actual fabric.
Differences from Similar Terms
Water-repellent treatment is a process that gives the property of repelling water in bead form. Plasma treatment is a method of surface modification, and is generally also used as a pretreatment to increase wettability, so its purpose may differ from water-repellent treatment.
Coating, lamination, and bonding are processes that give performance by adding resin, film, or a different material to the fabric. Plasma treatment is mainly a process that changes the fabric surface itself, and is distinguished from processes that form a film.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does plasma treatment change the hand of the fabric?
Under appropriate conditions, it may be possible to adjust surface properties while minimizing changes in thickness and appearance. However, depending on the type of fiber, the strength of the treatment, and post-processing, gloss, friction feel, and firmness may change. Compare fabric samples before and after processing before mass production.
Does the effect of plasma treatment continue after washing?
The washing durability of the effect is not uniform. It changes depending on the material, plasma processing conditions, subsequent processes, detergent, and washing method. When specifying absorbency or adhesion, it is necessary to set the expected number of wash cycles and test method in advance and confirm them.
Is plasma treatment a process with low environmental impact?
It is sometimes considered because it may reduce the amount of water and chemicals used. However, the environmental impact, including equipment electricity, gas used, preceding and subsequent processes, and durability, differs depending on the conditions. Do not evaluate it by the process name alone; check the information for the entire process.
