2018 Volume 74 Issue 6 Pages 122-132
The effect of the atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) pre-treatment on the inkjet dyeing of wool fabric with acid dyes was examined. The scanning electron microscopic observation and the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis reveled the topographical change and atomic oxygen increase in the fiber surface. Especially for short steaming time and milling type dyes, the Kubelka-Munk function value of the dyed fabric as a measure of the colour deepening increased due to the pre-treatment by the APPJ compared with the chemicals containing urea and sizing agent. It was confirmed from image analysis that the APPJ treatment did not cause bleeding and uneven dyeing. The colour fastness of the dyed fabric to washing and rubbing did not reduce due to the pre-treatments by APPJ as well as chemicals. It is expected that introduction of the APPJ pre-treatment to the inkjet dyeing is effective to reduce environmental impact and to improve energy efficiency and productivity in the dyeing process.