An Iranian researcher has devised a new method by which polyester fabrics can be dyed more efficiently through “plasma surface activation”.
“The method is aimed at tackling the problems of traditional dyeing methods, such as high temperature, excessive use of water and discharge of several chemical additives,” Shila Shahidi, a researcher and faculty member at the Islamic Azad University of Arak, said.
In the course of the study, polyester fabrics were modified by dielectric barrier discharge and dyed with different classes of natural (henna, madder, lotus and matricaria) and synthetic (acidic, basic and disperse) dyes, Mehr News Agency reported.
The new approach comprises formation of functional groups on the surfaces of polyester fabrics by using atmospheric pressure plasma.
Results show that the modification on the surface of fabrics improved their dyeability such that the extent of improvement higher in natural dyes than in synthetic ones.
Furthermore, without using water and chemical additives, atmospheric pressure plasma makes the process of dyeing eco-friendly.
