Dye–fiber interactions in PET fibers: Hydrogen bonding studied by IR‐spectroscopy

Abstract

AbstractDye–fiber interactions are studied in poly (ethylene terephthalate) fibers by FT‐IR spectroscopy. It is shown for the first time that DRIFTS (diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy) serves as an easy applicable and accurate technique for the study of fibrous structures. This article focuses on the possible hydrogen bond interactions in the dye–fiber system, where the PET fibers are dyed with anthraquinone‐based disperse dyes. The dyes and related anthraquinone structures are studied in both the dilute solution state, the solid state, and as present in the PET fibers. It is proven that 1‐amino anthraquinones show strong “chelate‐type” intramolecular hydrogen bonding in all three states. In the fibers an important supplementary intermolecular hydrogen bonding with the CO groups in the PET fiber is observed. The extend of hydrogen bonding seems to be prone to dye concentration variations. Further analysis by modulated differential scanning calorimetry links the hydrogen bonding to an intrinsic plasticizing effect of the dyes affecting the dye diffusion process. This thus offers a tool for the fundamental understanding of the dyeing process and possible observed differences in dyeing behavior in dye–fiber systems. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007