AI Insight
This study investigates the use of an atmospheric-pressure non-equilibrium microwave plasma system as a pretreatment method for wool fabric prior to natural dyeing with Sappan wood (Caesalpinia sappan). The plasma treatment modifies the surface properties of wool fibers, improving dye uptake and color fastness without requiring conventional chemical mordants. Results indicate that plasma-treated wool exhibited enhanced dyeing performance compared to untreated samples, demonstrating that this physical pretreatment can serve as a more environmentally sustainable alternative to traditional mordanting processes.
Why it matters
This research offers a potential pathway to reduce the use of toxic metallic mordants in the textile dyeing industry while maintaining dyeing quality, which has direct implications for reducing chemical pollution in textile manufacturing. The combination of natural dyes and plasma technology could support the development of greener textile processing practices.