Induced superabsorbency in polyester fiber

Abstract

Modified polyester fibers are considered as a significant part of the polyester produced throughout the world due to the new properties and also reduced undesirable properties, compared to non-modified polyester fibers. In this study, the modification of polyester fiber properties was evaluated for its superabsorbency. The fibers obtained superabsorbency by their treatment with a special latex prepared by inverse emulsion polymerization. Different polymer latexes based on acrylic acid, sodium acrylate, acrylamide (AM) and 2-acrylamide-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid were prepared using inverse emulsion polymerization. Chemical bond (or hydrogen bond) was formed between the functional groups of the fiber surface and functional groups present in the polymer latex by heating. The modified fibers were characterized by swelling, mechanical, morphological, and thermal measurements. The effect of several modifications of parameters such as latex type, AM content in latex, aquatic-organic phase ratios of latex, modification time and modification temperature on the swelling properties of fibers were investigated. Water absorption of the unmodified fiber was 1.5 g/g which increased up to 75 g/g, significantly. This considerable development in hydrophilic characteristics of polyester fibers has led to water blocking of the fiber. Such modification did not have adverse effects on the tensile properties or thermal resistance of the polyester fiber.