Developing chromic dyeable PET nanocomposites: The dye absorption and complex formation mechanisms

Abstract

AbstractThis research aimed to investigate the possibility of enhancement of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) dyeability using nanotechnology. Different kinds of disperse, acidic, and chromic dyes were used for dyeing of produced PET/silver nanocomposite fine multifilament yarns produced at the take up speeds of 3000 m min−1 and their prepared fabrics. Dyeability improved by using acidic dyes. However, the more promotion effect was achieved by chromic dyes. No effect on absorption of disperse dyes revealed that no physical effect can be considered for dye absorption. The electrostatic interaction between silver and acidic dye molecules and forming the coordinative bonds with chromic dye molecules on nanocomposite yarns and fabrics were concluded and thoroughly discussed. Applying chromic dye with the more potential of creating coordinative bonds intensified the improvement of dyeability. Optimized silver ratio for the dyeability enhancement was affected by the mechanisms of dye absorptions discussed and proven by investigating dye concentrations in the effluent baths after the dyeing processes. It has been found that the steric hindrance is the key factor for absorption of chromic dyes; however, it is different in the case of acidic dyes, well discussed according to the dye absorptions mechanisms. The results can be also considered as evidence to prove forming the coordinative bonds with chromic dye molecules. This has also been confirmed by appearing a bathochromic shift in the absorption peaks by increasing dyeability using chromic dye. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012