Treatment of polylactic acid fibre using low temperature plasma and its effects on vertical wicking and surface characteristics

Abstract The improvement of wicking rate of fabric made from the biodegradable polymer (polylactic acid) by low temperature plasma was investigated using oxygen as the gas treatment. The substrate was subjected to various treatment conditions including, treatment time, power and pressure. According to the modified Washburn equation, the modifications to the wicking rate of the fabric were evaluated by studying the vertical wicking behaviour, in relation to the surface topography and chemical composition, which were examined by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Keyword: polylactic acidplasma treatmentwicking Acknowledgements The authors would like to thank Professor Roger Wardman at Heriot Watt University for help and advice.