Improved Tactile and Sorption Properties of Polyester Fabrics Through Caustic Treatment

Abstract

Alkaline hydrolysis has been used for about 30 years as a procedure for modifying the physical properties of polyester fabrics. Despite the length of time the reaction has been-known, its kinetics and mechanism are not well understood. Studies conducted in our laboratory indicate that the hydrolysis of polyester occurs both by first and second order cleavage of the polymer chain by the hydroxide ion and by elimination of end groups in first-order saponification reactions. Based on this model, a rate expression for the hydrolysis has been derived. Additional studies into the-drying behavior of caustic treated polyester demonstrated that the ability of polyester fabrics to disperse moisture through in-plane wicking is improved by the hydrophilic character imparted by caustic treatment. Consequently, under certain conditions caustic treated polyester fabrics can dry faster than their untreated counterparts.