If polyester fibers are treated in a solution of caustic soda, they dissolve successively form their outer surface, accompanied by the changes in the properties of the fabrics made of them. This experiment determines the equilibrium amount of disperse dyes absorbed in polyester films treated with caustic soda solutions under various conditions. An uptake of the dyes on films treated with an alkaline solution has been discussed in relation to the changes of a molecular structure of films. The following results were obtained:
(1) Under the mild condition of alkaline hydrolysis, the films dissolved uniformly from their outer surface with very few changes in their physical structures. Under the severe condition, however, the films changed their physical structures owing to an OH
- attacked to the inner regions. These results agreed considerably with the change of the density of films.
(2) The tensile strength of films treated with alkaline solution decreased as the percentage of weight loss caused by the hydrolysis increased. The loss of tensile strength was much remarkable at the lower percentage of weight loss. These phenomena were related to the fact that films increased their density, i. e., degree of cristallinity, by the hydrolysis.
(3) As the percentage of weight loss of films increased, the uptake of the dyes increased. This phenomenon well coincided with the increase of the amount of voids.
(4) The decrease of the depth of shade of polyester fabrics treated with alkaline solution is explained by the irregular light reflection from the irregular surface of fibers occured by alkaline hydrolysis. (Received February 12, 1980)
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