In this study, corona discharge was applied to optimize the desizing of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) on cotton fabric. The weight of sized fabric decreased slightly when the PVA sized fabric was treated by corona discharge. Percent desizing rate (PDR) of PVA sized fabric increased evidently after the fabric was subjected to corona discharge treatment, PDR increased with the enhancement of corona discharge treatment by increase of applied voltage and treating time. Water dissolution time and water-contact angle decreased at the same time. SEM and AFM photos show the surface of PVA film was modified into uneven morphology with many ridges pores and cracks. ATR-FTIR analysis shows that the content of C=O, -COOH, and C-O bonds was increased after the PVA film was treated by corona discharge. Corona discharge can be applied to optimize the desizing of PVA on fabric by saving treating time and water or decrease the usage of the detergent of hydrogen peroxide; it provides a green process and energy saving method for textile finishing. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 114: 2887-2892, 2009