Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers were modified by an air dielectric barrier discharge (ADBD) plasma generating device to improve the dyeing properties.The treatment process was carried out with various operating parameters such as input power and treatment time.Then the treated and untreated fibers were dyed with disperse dye to study the treatment effect.Surface topography

chemical construction

tensile strength and dyeing properties of the modified fibers were studied.It was found that the surface roughness of the fibers was improved by plasma etching which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results.Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed a significant increase of oxygen-based functional groups (CO

C=O

OH

etc.) on the surfaces of UHMWPE fibers

which indicated that the chemical polarity of the modified fibers was improved after ADBD plasma treatment.Meanwhile

the plasma treatment had a strong effect on the strength of UHMWPE fibers

the strength showed a very drastic decrease at high input power and long treatment time.When the input power was 60~90 W and treatment time was less than 45 s

the strength loss was generally less than 10%.Moreover

the dyeing properties of the fibers were improved after plasma treatment

the K/S values of the fibers increased from 0.902 to 1.625

and the optimum processing parameters were 27 s and 80 W.