The Journal of Industrial Textiles has published the results of a study conducted by Texas Tech University and Enercon Industries that determined when spunbond polypropylene nonwoven fabrics are pre-treated with atmospheric plasma it increases the breathability of the fabric.

According to the research paper, atmospheric plasma treatment increases the number of pores and enlarges the pore size of the fabric improving the diffusion of vapour between the filaments in the spunbond structure without compromising the barrier properties. These properties are said to be significant within the medical industry when developing disposable medical clothing, such as surgical masks, gowns and drapes.

According to Enercon, one of the most wanted properties of barrier fabrics for medical applications is the development of a low cost non-woven material that is breathable, sterilizable, flexible, and resistant to blood and viral penetration.

Enercon’s Plasma3 is an in-line, dry and continuous surface treatment process for web application. Its treatment techniques provide a fast, efficient and eco-friendly breathability effect on nonwoven/textile surfaces.

 Dr. Seshadri Ramkumar's group in the Nonwovens & Advanced Materials Laboratory and colleagues in the Departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Mechanical Engineering at Texas Tech University collaborated with Enercon to explore environmental friendly ways to enhance the breathability of nonwoven synthetic fabrics.

 To view the full article, visit the Journal of Industrial Textiles (Volume 42 No 4), http://jit.sagepub.com/content/42/4/501 .

Enercon Industries Corporation, headquartered in Menomonee Falls, WI, is a major manufacturer of equipment for the plastics, converting and packaging industries. The company supplies custom built corona and atmospheric plasma treating systems, as well as induction cap sealing systems.