Investigating the bond strength of oxygen plasma-treated finished cotton-based fabric bonded with thermoplastic polyurethane film adhesive

Abstract

Textile bonding is an emerging technology among manufacturing seamless garments. However lower bond strength is recognized as a limitation in applying this technology for Cotton-based bonded garments. The cause for this issue was studied in the aspect of the Cotton fabric surface. Adhesive bonding theories indicated that the impact of the bond strength depends on the surface energy, surface cleanness and surface area of the substrate. Therefore, this study is focused on the effect of plasma treatment as a surface modification method on the bond strength between Thermoplastic Polyurethane adhesive and Cotton fabric surface to overcome the impact of lower bond strength. Optimal bonding conditions were identified as 170 °C of final pressing temperature, 5 bar of pressure and 120 °C of laydown temperature. Plasma treatment was conducted in presence of Oxygen plasma for 10 minutes and 58% and 69% increment of peel strength was observed in relation to the reference fabric sample at 30 seconds of pressing time for both white and black colours respectively. In accordance with the facts, this study has implications for the apparel industry, as it could lead to the development of more durable and comfortable seamless garments made from cotton.