The Effect of CO2 Laser Treatment on the Composition of Cotton/Polyester/Metal Fabric

The effect of CO2 laser treatment on the surface composition and properties of a woven fabric (polyester (PET) fiber (59 wt%)/cotton (CO) fiber (31 wt%)/stainless-steel (SS) metal fibers (10 wt%)) was investigated across a range of laser intensities (19.1 × 106 to 615.0 × 106 W/m2). Elemental analysis using wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WD-XRF) revealed that for an intensity up to 225.4 × 106 W/m2, the carbon content on the fabric surface increased while the oxygen content decreased, indicating thermally induced surface modification. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy confirmed that no new chemical bonds were formed, suggesting that the changes observed were predominantly physical in nature. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM) showed progressive fiber fusion and surface smoothing with increasing laser intensity, consistent with polyester melting. Tensile testing demonstrated a significant decline in peak load and elongation at peak load with rising laser fluence, indicating mechanical embrittlement. Overall, CO2 laser treatment alters the morphology and elemental composition of the fabric surface without inducing major chemical decomposition, markedly reducing its mechanical strength.