Abstract
In order to investigate the hydrophilicity and dyeability of polypropylene spunboun(PP/SB) nonwovens, PP/SB nonwovens were treated by the plasma system in oxygen atmosphere at different treatment times and discharge powers. Dimensional change and physical properties of PP/SB nonwovens according to the plasma treatment conditions were evaluated. Surface structure and morphology of PP/SB nonwovens were characterized by SEM. Contact angles onto PP/SB nonwovens for water and methyleneiodide were measured and surface energies were calculated by Owen and Wendt's methods. Microcraters were observed on the surface of plasma treated PP/SB nonwovens. Tenacity and breaking strain of PP/SB nonwovens decreased with increasing treatment time and discharge power. Surface energy of PP/SB nonwovens increased by the plasma treatment. Meanwhile, the friction static voltage decreased by the plasma treatment due to the improvement of surface hydrophilicity. Dyeability of PP/SB nonwovens was enhanced to some extent by the oxygen plasma treatment.