Influence of plasma treatment on CNT absorption of cotton fabric and its electrical conductivity and antibacterial activity

Abstract

In this study, effect of plasma pretreatment on the absorption of carboxilated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the surface of cotton fabrics was investigated. Treated samples were characterised using a Raman spectrophotometer. Also, the morphological properties of samples were studied using a scanning electron microscope. Electrical resistance and interactions between CNTs and plasma-treated cotton functional groups at the surface were also evaluated. Antibacterial activity of cotton fabric when modified by low temperature plasma and stabilised with CNTs was also investigated. Results showed a uniform coating of CNTs on the plasma-treated cotton fabric and it was found that the plasma treatment is effective on improving CNTs absorption by cotton fabric. Generally, cotton fabric characterisation, such as antibacterial activity and electrical conductivity, after plasma treatment and loading CNT are improved.