Influence of Low Temperature Argon and Oxygen Plasma Treatment on the Band-gap of Jute

Low temperature plasma (LTP) treatment is an environmentally friendly surface modification technique. It was applied to biodegradable and ligno-cellulosic jute fibre. In this experimental work two nonpolymerizing gases viz.nbsp argon (Ar) and oxygen (O2) plasmas were applied for treatment purposes. With the aim in view, treatment times were 5, 10, 15 and 20 min. and power levels of 50, 75 and 100 W with a flow rate of 0.2 L/min. Ultraviolet Visible (UV-Vis.) spectra of LTP treated jute fibres at various exposure times with different discharge powers were recorded at room temperature in absorption mode using a spectrophotometer in the wavelength range of 200 to 1100 nm. The absorption spectra were recorded for LTP treated jute at various exposure times with different discharge powers. The UV-Vis. spectroscopic analysis reveals that the band gap of jute increases with the increase of exposure times as well as discharge powers. It is also observed from the experiment that band gap of jute when treated by Ar plasma is higher than that of jute treated by O2 plasma.