Application of Bio-Based Haematoxylum Campechianum L. Dye on an Air-Atmospheric Plasma-Treated Polyester Fabric

Coloration and surface modification of woven polyester (PET) fabric with bio-based Logwood dye and plasma technology have been researched to develop a greener textile finishing process. The effect of atmospheric pressure air dielectric barrier discharge on the surface of the polyester fabric has been studied using specific wettability measurements (water contact angle-WCA and % capillarity), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and zeta potential assessments. A striking enhancement of capillarity percentage from 1.6% to 108% for the plasma-treated polyester was revealed, suggesting that special chemical elements such as hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl groups were incorporated on its surface, thereby raising its hydrophilic behavior. Furthermore, pretreatment based on the plasma surface activation mechanism improved the dyed polyester fabric’s color strength (K/S). The extent of dye absorption and color fastness properties were highly related to the main pad-dyeing conditions adopted (temperature) and the influence of fabric surface modification treatment selected (air atmospheric plasma treatment and/or deposition of chitosan biopolymer).