Modification of polyester fabric by treatment in alkaline solution

Abstract

Today, polyester is the most important textile fiber by consumption. The aesthetic appearance, feel and comfort of polyester fabrics can be improved by controlled surface modification, by treatment in alkaline solution. In this paper, the effect of sodium hydroxide solution on the chemical and morphological changes of the polyester fabric is studied and their effect on some comfort properties, such as moisture transport and air permeability. Linear weight loss of fabric with processing time was determined. The roughness of the fiber surface and the incorporation of oxygen functional groups into the fiber structure contribute the modified specimens to have greater air permeability and better moisture absorption and transport than the original fabric.

Keywords

• polyester fabric
• alkaline hydrolysis
• air permeability
• moisture transport