Plasma Treatment of Cellulose Surfaces
Effects of oxygen plasma on cellulose surface
(803-809) Cellulose 18 #3 (2011)
Calvimontes et al, Germany and Netherlands, treated cellulose surfaces with low pressure oxygen plasma at various exposure times. Results show that the topographical evolution of the surfaces to rougher ones is not at all gradual. It was shown, that plasma treatments decompose the cellulose material by formation of highly functionalized molecules. Such plasma-initiated and supported reactions taking place on the sample surface. The studies provide useful information to understand the plasma reaction on amorphous and crystalline regions of cellulose surfaces and allow to predict effects of the plasma treatment on physical and chemical properties of much more complex cellulose systems such as cotton fibres and fabrics. (RDC 5/5/2011)
Recent Journal Articles
Functionalization of cotton fabrics with corona/air RF plasma and colloidal TiO2 nanoparticles
(811-825) Cellulose 18 #3 (2011)|
Mihailovic et al, Serbia, used a corona discharge at atmospheric pressure and air RF plasma at low pressure for the cotton fibre activation prior to deposition of colloidal TiO2 nanoparticles in order to enhance antibacterial, UV protective and self-cleaning properties. Atomic absorption spectroscopy measurements revealed that the equivalent total content of TiO2 in the cotton fabrics pre-treated by corona and RF plasma was 31% higher than in the fabric that did not undergo any treatment prior to loading of TiO2 nanoparticles. In order to achieve maximum bacteria (Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli) reduction, untreated cotton fabric had to be loaded with colloidal TiO2 nanoparticles twice, but only once following corona or RF plasma pre-treatment. Deposition of TiO2 nanoparticles onto cotton fabrics provided maximum UV protective rating of 50+. Extraordinary photocatalytic activity of TiO2 nanoparticles deposited onto cotton fabrics was proved by self-cleaning of blueberry juice stains and photodegradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution under UV illumination. (RDC 65/5/2011)