Interactions of Nonaqueous Solvents with Textile Fibers

Abstract

The interactions of three chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents with textured polyester yams have been investigated. The solvents perchloroethylene, trichloroethylene, and methylene chloride differ widely in their ability to interact with polyester fibers. Textralized and Superloft standard and cationic dyeable Dacron yarns have been included in this investigation. The dynamic and isothermal shrinkage behavior of the textured yarns reflects the diffusion of the solvents into the complex structures produced by the texturing process and the rate and extent of their interactions with the polymer. Characteristic shrinkage maxima are observed which are associated with the opening and closing of kinks, especially in the Textralized yam. More or less extensive overall shrinkage as a result of the solvent treatments produces an increase in the bulkiness of the textured yarns. The stability of the additional solvent-induced crimp and of the original thermally-induced crimp were studied. It could be shown that while the original crimp is essentially unaffected by the solvent treatment, the solvent-induced crimp is easily removed upon loading of the yam, and its recovery upon unloading is limited, depending on the nature of the solvent treatment.