Plasma treatment of textiles is a growing function of plasma technology. Using Thierry’s low-pressure systems,
plasma treatment of textiles is used to pre-treat fibers to increase wettability which allows for solvent free dyes to absorb and bond very strongly. Also,
plasma treatment of textiles is used to coat fabric with a specialized layer with varying characteristics. These
surface coatings can have properties such as the ability to repel water or other liquids. This is known as a hydrophobic surface. They can also apply protective coatings to make textiles more durable.
Plasma Treatment of Textiles: Medical and Technological Applications
Plasma treatment of textiles is now used in an emerging faction of the textile industry. This refers to the production of
smart textiles. Smart textiles are fabrics that have technological components such as microcontrollers, sensors, actuators, and even computers embedded into them.
Plasma treatment of textiles is used in this industry as part of the production of integrated circuits and it is also used to make these components hydrophobic.
Hydrophobic coatings are a very important use for plasma treatment of textiles as it has benefits for medical purposes. The fabric that lab coats, gloves, and surgical smocks are made of could undergo
plasma treatment for textiles to make them hydrophobic. Hydrophobic fabrics have the benefit of not being able to absorb water. This makes them resistant to dirt and bacteria. When trying to create a sterile setting such as in an operating room, this is a much desired characteristic.