The effect of low‐temperature plasma for improving wool and chitosan‐treated wool fabric properties

In this study, plasma treatment was used to modify the surface properties of wool fabrics by partial removal of the scales and the lipid layer. The effects of low‐pressure pseudo‐discharge in oxygen gas on the dyeing properties of untreated and pretreated wool fabrics are discussed. Three dyes were used, namely acid dye, 1:2 metal complex dye and reactive dye. Different exposure times (1–5 min) of oxygenated plasma treatment were effected to improve the hydrophilicity, wettabillity, dyeability and the washing and light fastness properties of the dyed wool fabrics (which were increased by increasing the plasma exposure time). Also, the washing and light fastness properties of the chitosan‐treated wool fabrics were investigated. In addition, the presence of chitosan before or after the plasma exposure had no effect on the washing and light fastness properties of the wool fabrics.