Dyeing performance enhancement of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene fabric via plasma and tannic acid treatment

Abstract In this study, the dyeing properties of atmospheric plasma and tannic acid surface modified ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene fabric were examined. The study focused on optimisation of colour strength. The effect of plasma treatment time and discharge power on colour strength was optimised. Dyeing parameters were optimised by running central composite response surface design of experiments. After dyeing, surface characteristics were observed by K/S (colour strength), colour fastness to soaping, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray dispersive spectroscopy (XDS), Fourier Transform–infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, rubbing fastness and contact angles, respectively. The response surface experimental design results showed better colour strength by reducing padder pressure and increasing the curing temperature and curing time. SEM showed increased roughness of surface and tannic acid adhesion to the surface. Both XDS and FTIR spectroscopy showed increased surface polarity. Enhanced durability was displayed at 1000 W for 20 seconds of exposure and 1% TA‐ (w/v) for 6 hours at pH 4‐5. Contact angles showed enhanced hydrophilic behaviour. Also, the rubbing fastness was good. The process had a low cost. This approach was suitable because of the higher production rate of continuous dyeing, and it was also sustainable, considering that tannic acid is a natural resource and atmospheric plasma is a waterless treatment.