Influence of trichloroacetic acid-methylene chloride on structure of polyester fabrics

Abstract

In this study, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric has been treated with trichloroacetic acid–methylene chloride (TCA-MC) to modify its functional properties by altering the structure. TCA-MC interacts with both amorphous and crystalline regions of PET and alters the structure (solvent-induced-polymer modification), which directly affects the functional properties of PET fabrics. Five different concentrations (0.5, 1, 3, 5 and 10%) of TCA-MC at 1, 3 and 5 min are used to treat two fabric structures, viz 100% micro polyester fabric and 100 % texturized polyester fabric. The physical properties and wettability of the treated samples are investigated, and the results are statistically analyzed. The results reveal that TCA-MC alters the structure of polyester, with the degree of modification determined by TCA-MC concentration and treatment time.