Abstract
Controlled glycolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was carried out under nonaqueous alkali conditions to obtain an enhanced hygroscopicity. Effectiveness of an alkali catalyst was directly related to its alkalinity. Treatment conditions such as alkali concentration, temperature, and time were varied, and their effects were studied by evaluation of wetting time, contact angle, weight loss, strength and elongation, and dye sorption. The glycolyzed PET under these alkali conditions showed instant wetting in most cases at 80 °C or above but with some loss of strength. However, a careful selection of treatment conditions can minimize strength loss while maintaining exceptional hygroscopicity. Effect of glycolysis on conformational changes on PET was investigated by FTIR, DSC, and SEM-EDS analyses.
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