Effect of Solvents on Physical Properties and Dyeability of Poly( ethylene-2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate) Fibers

Abstract

Different organic solvents are added to a dyebath containing a disperse dye for dyeing poly(ethylene-2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate) (PEN) fibers. Four different sol vents, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, 2-methyl-2-propanol, and 1,4-butylene glycol, are studied for their effect on the glass transition temperature ( Tg), swelling, tenacity, dyebath exhaustion, and color strength of PEN fibers. The treated fibers show a decrease in Tg, an increase in swelling, and a loss in tenacity. All of these solvents increase dye uptake to different extents, depending upon their ability to plasticize the fiber. Among the solvents used, 1-butanol gives the maximum increase in dye uptake.