Surface modification of kapok fibers by cold plasma surface treatment

This work evaluated the effects of cold plasma treatment on kapok fibers (Ceiba pentandra L.). Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra showed changes in characteristic absorption bands, indicating modification of the chemical composition of the fiber. Surface roughness, observed by field-emission gun scanning electron microscope (FEG-SEM), increased. Furthermore, the water uptake was significantly affected, the ability to uptake oil increased and a mechanism of reaction was suggested. The thermal behavior, analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), was slightly altered and it was also shown that fiber surface was activated by the plasma treatment. Ultimately, cold plasma may prove as a feasible approach to improve fiber-matrix adhesion for the production of biodegradable polymer composites.