Abstract
Sea–island‐type polyethylene terephthalate ultramicrofibre (0.007 denier per filament) with a single fibre diameter of ca. 800 nm has been produced over the last 4 years. Three kinds of sea–island‐type polyethylene terephthalate knitted fabric manufactured from this ultramicrofibre were alkali treated, and their dissolution behaviour was investigated. It was found that the dissolution ratio was dependent upon temperature and sodium hydroxide concentration in the alkali treatment. Practical dissolution ratios mostly reached the theoretical values after alkali treatment with 1.0% (w/w) sodium hydroxide solution at 95 °C for 40 min in all samples. Alkali dissolution of the sea component and revealing of the island component were confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy. Alkali dissolution behaviour could also be monitored indirectly by the cationic dye staining method. While all untreated samples exhibited high colour yield values after cationic dyeing, alkali‐treated samples showed reduced colour yield values with increasing alkali treatment time and a final levelling‐off point.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
