Review of Plasma Surface Engineering Technology Toward Sustainable Textile Materials
Hakim Ssekasamba, Mike Tebyetekerwa, Cui Haodong, Andrew Balilonda, Shafik Ssegwanyi, Qiuming Gao, Xiaoliang Tang
Abstract
Plasma surface engineering is a sustainable alternative to water and chemical processing of textile materials. It involves exposing textile materials to energetic gas particles or plasmas that enhance surface properties and improve functionality. This allows for efficient surface modification, leading to increased productivity and enhanced performance of textiles with properties such as wettability, adhesion, and antimicrobial activity. This review discusses advanced plasma surface engineering in the textile industry. First, it introduces the reader to the various reactions and mechanisms of plasma treatments on textiles. This is followed by an account of the factors affecting plasma treatments of textile surfaces including textile substrate, operating conditions, and setup. Then, the review further details the various textile processes where plasma treatment is currently utilized. Finally, the future potential and critical innovations in plasma surface engineering for the textile industry are coined.