Study of Hemp Fiber Properties Modified via Long-Duration Low-Pressure Argon and Oxygen Plasma Treatments.

ABSTRACT: Hemp is a lignocellulosic fiber used in fiber-reinforced composites, technical textiles, and clothing with surface properties that can be modified by plasma to improve processability. In contrast to previous studies reporting the effects of short-duration plasma treatment (<10 min), this paper investigates the effects of extended (30 min-4 h), low-pressure (∼0.4 mbar) argon and oxygen plasma treatments on dew retted hemp fibers at varying power levels (40 and 80 Hz). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed marked surface fiber etching after prolonged treatment, with argon plasma inducing fibrillation and heterogeneous motifs, while oxygen plasma yielded irregular morphologies. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) confirmed a near 4-fold rise in surface roughness (70 to 270 nm) after 4 h of pl

SUBMITTER: Bapat K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12750193 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature