Low stress mechanical properties of plasma-treated cotton fabric subjected to titanium dioxide coating

The titanium dioxide coating together with plasma pre-treatment improved the wrinkle recovery property of cotton fabrics, but, at the same time, may worsen the fabric handle which is an important factor when designing the end uses of fabric, as handle of fabric is also a critical factor for purchasing decisions. In this study, the Kawabata Evaluation System for Fabrics measures the sensory properties of plasma- and/or titanium dioxide-treated cotton fabrics. The low stress fabric surface correlates closely with mechanical properties; the change in fabric stiffness, thickness, extensibility, appearance retention, surface smoothness or bulkiness may affect each other. The results found that the titanium dioxide treatment had a negative effect on tensile properties, compressional properties and surface friction and variation, while shearing and bending properties were improved by the treatment. In addition, plasma treatment improves all sensory properties except surface friction and variation.