Author(s): Archana Bahuguna and Dr. Shailaja D Naik

Abstract:
Cotton is the only chief natural fibre that has innumerable advantages of which to be mentioned are high wet tensile strength, abrasion resistance, moisture absorption, breathability, conductor of heat, dye pick up & quick drying and no static problems. But, it burns easily with large yellow flame and propagates when ignited is one of the limitations of this fibre. Hence, it becomes imperative to manage the propagation of fire by selecting suitable eco-friendly finish. Plasma is the innovative technology introduced for textile industries that offers several advantages over conventional wet processing. Plasma is a dry finish which eliminates the recurring expenses incurred on effluent treatments. The fibre morphology of cotton is altered from flat ribbon structure to micro-cracked porous surface at nano-meter level by plasma finish that develops a new dimension for cotton fabric to perform as flame retardant. Though the tensile strength, elongation and abrasion resistance of plasma treated cotton fabric reduced to some extent after multiple washes, but the level of flame retardancy remained elevated when compared to its control value.