Effects of radio frequency (RF) plasma activation on the pull-out, friction, and fracture toughness performance of para-aramid fabrics

Bilisik E., Korkmaz M., Bilişik A.

SURFACES AND INTERFACES, cilt.86, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 86
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.surfin.2026.108695
  • Dergi Adı: SURFACES AND INTERFACES
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Argon RF plasma activation, Fracture toughness, Friction, Intra-yarn shear, Pull-out
  • Kayseri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Para-aramid fabrics are widely used in high-performance protective systems, where interfacial mechanics and frictional behavior critically influence energy absorption and structural reliability. Surface modification techniques are therefore of increasing research interest, particularly for tailoring fiber-fiber and fiber-matrix interactions. In this context, the present study examines the effects of argon radio-frequency (RF) plasma activation on the interfacial mechanics of para-aramid fabrics. Spectroscopic (FTIR, Raman), crystallographic (XRD), and thermal (TGA/DTA) analyses confirm that plasma exposure induces ion-bombardment-driven micro-roughening and partial finish removal while preserving the intrinsic chemical structure of the fibers. Compared with untreated fabrics (KPO), both plasma-activated (PPO) and chemically cleaned samples (RPO) exhibited altered pullout behavior. Although the initial resistance during crimp extension stage remained comparable, multi-yarn pullout energy in PPO decreased by 29 %, driven by earlier onset of intra-bundle shear and reduced inter-fiber cohesion. Tensile strength loss following plasma activation further promoted premature fibril separation, weakening interlacement pressure and lowering fracture toughness. Static friction coefficients in PPO were consistently 5 % lower than RPO and KPO under both dry and wet conditions, reflecting suppressed fibrillation, reduced adhesive contact, and diminished micro-interlocking. The work uniquely integrates multi-yarn pull-out mechanics, frictional behavior, and fracture toughness to reveal previously unreported deformation mechanisms induced by RF-argon plasma in soft para-aramid fabrics. Overall, while argon RF plasma activation provides a controlled and solvent-free route for tailoring surface topology, it also introduces trade-offs in pull-out resistance, frictional response, and fracture toughness due to reduced packing density and weakened interfacial constraint.