Inkjet printing of textiles enhanced by sustainable plasma technology

Plasma technology has paid increased attention for surface modification of various materials for being effective and competitive in imparting surface functionalities, and very importantly it is an environmentally friendly approach. In this chapter, a succinct overview of the technique of low-temperature plasma surface modification (PSM) that can be applied to fabric surfaces before digital inkjet printing will be introduced. PSM of varied textile substrates that enhances the wettability and facilitates the subsequent inkjet printing process of fabrics made of various types of materials will be discussed. Systems of evaluation of changes in surface morphology, absorption, and element content of fabrics due to PSM will be discussed. Plasma-assisted pretreatment of fabrics made of different types of fiber materials, such as polyester, silk, cotton, and wool, can enhance printed color values and fastness properties for inkjet printing with both synthetic and plant-based inks. The employed technology causes no change to the bulk properties of the treated fabrics and benefits the environment by being low on emissions and effluents.