Modification of polyester fabric by treatment in alkaline solution

Abstract

Today, polyester is the most important textile fi ber by consumption. The aesthetic appearance, feel and comfort of polyester fabrics can be improved by controlled surface modifi cation, by treatment in alkaline solution. In this paper, the eff ect of sodium hydroxide solution on the chemical and morphological changes of the polyester fabric is studied and their eff ect on some comfort properties, such as moisture transport and air permeability. Linear weight loss of fabric with processing time was determined. The roughness of the fi ber surface and the incorporation of oxygen functional groups into the fi ber structure contribute the modifi ed specimens to have greater air permeability and better moisture absorption and transport than the original fabric.