UV assisted radical graft polymerization on poly-(ethylene terephthalate) for hydrophilic functionality

The hydrophilic functional potential of two monomers on the surface of poly-(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fabric was studied. By radical photo-polymerization, poly-(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and [2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl]-trimethylammonium chloride (METAC) were grafted on PET woven fabric, in varying concentrations in the presence of a radical photo initiator 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenyl-1-propanone (HMPP). Based on contact angle measurements, water drop test, and dynamic moisture management tests (MTT), PEGDA was found more effective in improving PET hydrophilicity. The durability of the treatment was further studied by solvent extraction, resistance to rubbing (crocking) and washing test

Tessili conduttivi (Conductive textiles)

The polymerisation of pyrrole on a textile substrate using a polyester fabric was investigated. Polymerisation occurs via the formation of cationic radicals following the oxidation of the monomer. The cations formed are coupled to form oligomers which are absorbed on to the surface of the substrate. The conductive properties of the resulting fabric were tested using a voltmeter to measure the surface resistance. The physico-mechanical and thermal properties of the fabric were analysed. A fabric of this type has many possible uses in electronics, reinforcement, protective clothing and military uses, since it combines the physico-mechanical properties of the substrate with the electrical properties of the polypyrrole