Effects Of Plasma and Ozone Treatments on Tensile and Whiteness Properties Of 100% Silk

In this study raw and degummed silk fabrics are treated with low frequency oxygen plasma and ozone in order to investigate the effects on the physical properties of silk. Plasma and ozone treatments are performed individually and in combined order for 5, 10 and 15 min. The yellowness and whiteness values are determined after the plasma and ozone treatments. The tensile strengths of treated and untreated silk fabrics are measured. The SEM images of the surfaces of silk fabrics are investigated and the combined effect of ozone and plasma treatments are discussed after each test. Results indicate that there is more significant decrease in ozone treatment, considering decrease in whiteness indexes and increase in yellowness values of silk fabrics when compared to the plasma treatment. Generally, when the treatment time of plasma or ozone is increased, increase of yellowness and decrease of whiteness become clear.