Effects of Fiber Structural Modification on the Dyeing Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Polyamide Yarns

Abstract

Pretreating nylon 6 and nylon 66 yams in interactive chemical systems or in saturated steam enhances dye transport within the fiber and increases the capacity of the fiber for dye. Chemical treatments with aqueous and nonaqueous solutions of phenol are more effective in promoting rapid dye transport than steam treatments. The increased rate of dye diffusion in the treated yams can be attributed to greater polymer segmental mobility as reflected by decreased dyeing transition temperatures and orientation changes in the amorphous (noncrystalline) domains. Mechanical properties of the treated yams have also been correlated with orientation in the amorphous domains. In contrast to the disorder produced in the amorphous domains, the treatments improve chain packing in the crystalline domains.