Abstract
Grafting of acrylic acid (AA) and methacrylic acid (MAA) onto poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers was carried out by use of benzoyl peroxide. Practical properties related to clothing use of the grafted PET fibers were investigated.The grafting of AA and MAA made PET fibers hydrophilic. Na-salt form of the grafted PET showed the highest hygroscopicity and water absorbency, compared to the PET's in acid form or in other multi-valent metal's salt form. During home-laundering, Na-salt form of the grafted PET turned mainly into Ca-salt form and the hygroscopicity and the water absorbency of the grafted PET decreased. The metal analysis of Na-salt form of the grafted PET revealed that the ratio of [COONa] against total [COON] was about 1/3.As a result of the grafting, the diameter of the fiber increased and the density decreased. Modulus, tenacity at break and elastic recovery of the fiber decreased. On the contrary, elongation at break increased with increasing grafting per cent. It was considered that the changes of those mechanical properties were caused by the shrinkage which arose during the grafting. It was also observed that modulus of the grafted PET fiber became lower in the presence of water.Comparing to acid form of the grafted PET, Na-salt form showed inferior mechanical poperties which were due to the degradation caused by alkali treatment of the grafted PET, which imparted anti-pilling property to the grafted PET fabrics.The melting behavior of the grafted PET suggested that the grafting occurred even in the vicinity of PET crystal and broke it gradually. Polymer of AA and MAA acted as an infusible supporter and gave melt-proof property to the grafted PET.As shown above, the grafting of AA and MAA onto PET was considered as a useful method for improving certain properties of PET.
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