Improvement of Textile Materials Processing Techniques by Applying Aqueous Dispersions of Polymers

Abstract

This paper presents the results of studies in the field of polymer materials application for fabric modification. The aim of the study is to identify the most effective technique of deposition of Russian-made formulations of an acryl and urethane nature with pigment compositions in the processes of functional fabric production. The authors analyze the efficiency of three processing solutions: the technology of uniform dyeing with pigments consisting of coating the fabric surface with a pigment–polymer composition, the technology of obtaining “camouflage” fabrics based on a conceptually new approach to creating the IR-remission effect on printed fabrics, and the technology of creating a stable retro-reflective effect on a fabric through the use of polymers produced in Russia. The paper also shows the conceptual differences in the pigment distribution mechanisms in the fiber or in the polymer matrix depending on the technique of fabric coating. The cheapest and safest technique for the environment is the squeegee method of pigment application, which provides fabrics with both oil- and water-repellent properties. An innovative technology has been developed based on the squeegee method for achieving the IR-remission effect on fabrics with “camouflage” patterns. A series of physico–chemical tests (spectrophotometry, electron microscopy), as well as assessment of the consumer properties of the obtained textile materials confirmed the efficiency of using aqueous dispersions of acrylic polymers made in Russia for producing competitive functional fabrics.