Physical and chemical aspects of glow discharge reaction on synthetic fibers

Abstract Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polyamide fibres, and films have been discharge treated. The resulting surface modifications analysed via ESR, IR, UV contact angle measurements. Discharge treatment introduces radicals and OH groups into the surface. But it does not correlate with wetability. Discharge treatment also produces the changes in conformation of macromolecules and roughness. This process is largely responsible for the wetability.