Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

Nylon/polyester (N/P) conjugate fibers are split by alkaline hydrolysis and then finished with an antimicrobial agent, and the effect of splitting and finishing on the absorption/adsorption properties of the microfibers is studied. The split microfiber fabrics vary in weight loss and pore structure depending on the various splitting conditions. The absorption behavior of microfiber fabrics is analyzed by the degree of splitting, shrinkage, fabric density, and weight loss. Optimum splitting conditions are investigated for superior absorption rate and capacity. Even and complete splitting produces fine fibers closely packed in a parallel structure, which creates capillary channels that transport water into fabric treated at 140°C with about 10% weight loss. Values of adsorption, add-on (%), and good durability to repeated laundering and dry cleaning of the agent on the finished N/P microfiber fabrics are high, in contrast to a conventional fiber fabric. This is most likely due to the high surface area and surface irregularities caused by splitting and hydrolysis. The absorption capacity of the finished fabrics decreases because some pore spaces are filled with the adsorbed agent, while the absorption rate increases due to capillary sorption. The water absorption instrument newly devised for this study is an excellent measurement system. It is possible to measure the amount of water absorption with time, and to distinguish the differences in absorbency of the split N/P microfiber knitted fabrics, which have pore structures that vary in shape and size, created by and deformed during the splitting and finishing process.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

1. AATCC Test Method 100-1993, Assessment of Antibacterial Finishes on Textiles on Textile Materials.

2. AATCC Test Method 86-1994, Dry Cleaning: Durability of Applied Designs and Finishes.

3. Bright, N. F. H. , Carson, T. , and Duff, G. M. , The Heat of Wetting of Fibres, J. Textile Inst. 44, T587 (1953).

4. Burgeni, A. A. , and Kapur, C. , Capillary Sorption Equilibria in Fiber Masses, Textile Res. J. 37(5), 356–366 (1967).

5. Burkinshaw, S. M. , “Chemical Principles of Synthetic Fiber Dyeing,” Blackie Academic & Professional, London, U.K., 1994.

6. Chartterjee, P. K. , “Absorbency,” Elsevier, NY, 1985.

7. Hong, C. J. , and Jeong, S. H. , Fluid Transfer in Knitted Pile Fabrics, J. Kor. Fiber Soc. 37(1), 44–50 (2000).

8. Hsieh, Y.-L. , Liquid Transport in Fabric Structures, Textile Res. J. 65(5), 299–307 (1995).

9. Hsieh, Y.-L. , Miller, A. , and Thompson, J. , Wetting, Pore Structure, and Liquid Retention of Hydrolyzed Polyester Fabrics, Textile Res. J. 66(1), 1–10 (1996).

10.

10. Huang, W. , and Leonas, K. K. , One-Bath Application of Repellent and Antimicrobial Finishes to Nonwoven Surgical Gown Fabrics, Textile Chem. Color. 31(3), 11–16 (1999).

11.

11. Kim, Y. H. , Lee, H. M. , and Kim, J. C. , Alkaline Hydrolysis Behavior of Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) Fiber, J. Kor. Fiber Soc. 37(2), 118–125 (2000).

12.

12. Leadbetter, P. , and Dervan, S. , The Microfiber Step Change, J. Soc. Dyers Colour. 108(9), 369–371 (1992).

13.

13. Lee, E. J. , Bok, J. S. , Hong, C. J. , and Joo, C. W. , Texturing Studies on Split-type Microfine Polyester Filament Yarn, J. Kor. Fiber Soc. 37(1), 25–33 (2000).

14.

14. Lee, S. , Cho, J.-S. , and Cho, G. , Antimicrobial and Blood Repellent Finishes for Cotton and Nonwoven Fabrics Based on Chitosan and Fluoropolymers, Textile Res. J. 69, 104–112 (1999).

15.

15. Morton, W. E. , and Hearle, J. W. S. , “Physical Properties of Textile Fibers,” 3rd ed., The Textile Institute, U.K., 1993.

16.

16. Washino, Y. , “Functional Fibers–Trends in Technology and Product Development in Japan,” Toray Research Center, Inc., Japan, 1993.

Effect of Splitting and Finishing on Absorption/Adsorption Properties of Split Polyester Microfiber Fabrics

Abstract

Get full access to this article

References