An investigation into the fastness and mechanical properties of p‐aramid fabric dyed with disperse dye

Abstract

AbstractThe p‐aramid fiber is mostly used in high tech applications such as protective clothing, cut resistant gloves, heat resistant suits, etc. due to its extraordinary mechanical and thermal properties. On the other hand, it loses its strength upon exposure to UV (ultraviolet) light. The main purpose of this work is to optimize p‐aramid fabrics dyeing with disperse dyes and study the impact of dye on its properties such as shade depth (K/S), fastness, and UV degradation. The batch process is used to dye the fabric with disperse dyes that give high K/S value. The ANOVA (analysis of variance) is performed for the result investigation, depicting the input and output variables relation. The mechanical loss of p‐aramid on exposure to UV was confirmed by bursting strength showing 28% strength loss in comparison to the dyed p‐aramid fabric having 15% loss in strength. This was further endorsed by scanning electron microscope and X‐ray diffraction by investigating the changes in surface morphology and crystallinity on exposure to UV simultaneously to confirm the hypothesis that dyeing reduces the degradation upon exposure to UV light.