Preparation and characterization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) fabrics treated by blends of cellulose nanocrystals and polyethylene glycol

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, the coating based on the blends of low molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cellulose nano‐crystals (CNC) was introduced to immobilize on the surface of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabrics to modify the surface properties of fabrics, and to fabricate comfortable fabrics for formidable climate. Field‐emission scanning electron microscope, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were employed to study the topography, superficial ingredients, and thermal activity of the finished fabrics. The observation of field‐emission scanning electron microscope and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that the surface of PET fabrics was covered by CNC/PEG1000/PEG600 coating. The transition onset temperature and phase change enthalpy of PET fabrics treated with CNC/PEG1000/PEG600 were at 7.06°C and 11.41 kJ/kg, respectively. Dimensional memory measurement demonstrated that the introduction of CNC caused the deformation percent to decrease by about 41% for PET fabrics covered with CNC/PEG1000/PEG600 coating. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007