Effect of addition of polyethylene glycol on the moisture transfer and waterproof properties of foam-finished nylon fabrics

Abstract

The effects of the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) within the coated film on the water vapor permeability and waterproof properties of the foam-coated fabrics were investigated. Foaming solutions added with PEG had lower surface tension than those without, and the viscosity and stability of the foaming solution varied with PEG of different molecular weight. When PEG is of 1,000 daltons (PEG 1000), the viscosity and stability of the foaming solution was the highest among molecular weights ranging from 400 to 16,000, whereas the surface tension was the lowest. The stability would rise proportionally with viscosity if the viscosity of the foaming solution is between 13,610 cps and 13,960 cps. When PEG 1000 was added, the particle size of the foaming solution was smaller, followed by PEG 600. But when PEG 4000 or ethylene glycol (EG) was added, the particle size was bigger. The introduction of PEG 1000 to the foaming solution produced better water vapor permeability and waterproof properties. Fabrics coated with foaming solution, to which PEG 1000 was added, had smaller and more micropores in the coated film. Coated film without the addition of PEG had less micropores, and that with the addition of EG or PEG 4000 had large pores with non-homogenous pore sizes. These results were confirmed by SEM observation.