Surface modification of aramid yarn by atmospheric pressure plasma: Reinforcement and floating properties

Abstract

Today, aramid fibers have extensive applications ranging from wearable textiles, tires, and ropes to reinforced and protective materials. However, further extension of their applications requires surface modifications regarding wettability and mechanical properties. Accordingly, the present study introduces a single-step, low-cost, and rapid method to improve the performance of aramid yarn using atmospheric pressure plasma. To this end, the plasma treatment was performed using argon and acetone as the main working gas and a liquid precursor, respectively. The results of the FE-SEM and AFM analyses revealed the formation of a thin nanostructured layer on the surface of the yarn, leading to increased surface roughness. Investigation of the chemical structures of the yarn through FTIR, EDS, MAP, and TGA analyses confirmed the significant changes in surface structures followed by the formation of the new carbon-containing group. The XRD analysis of the crystalline structures also indicated a major change in the crystalline phases of the samples. Overall, the plasma-modified aramid yarn showed excellent buoyancy functionalities and waterproof properties. Moreover, the tensile strength of the yarn was improved after the treatments. The results confirmed the development of a promising, environmentally-friendly, single-step, and low-cost approach for the surface modifications of yarns.

Keywords

• Aramid yarn
• Atmospheric pressure plasma
• Hydrophobicity
• Buoyancy
• Tensile strength