Fiber hydrophilic

Joly C, Gauthier R, Escoubes M (1996) Partial masking of cellulosic fiber hydrophilicity for composite applications. Water sorption by chemically modified fibers. Water sorption by chemically modified fibers. J Appl Polym Sci 61 57-69... 

Chemical treatments improve moisture resistance by reducing fiber hydrophilicity, improving fiber/matrix bonding and/or plugging water penetration pathways in the... 

The enzyme efficacy also depends on the nature of the fabric, which determines the fiber hydrophilicity and the strength of the soil-fiber interaction. Moreover, the accessibility of the soil depends on the yarn density and on its location outside or inside the fiber. 

As nonpolar fibers, possessing a very low superficial energy, PO fibers are wholly hydrophobic. For some applications, this hydrophobic character constitutes an advantage, while, for others, it appears as a severe shortcoming. That is why different methods have been applied for PO fiber hydrophilization, one of them involving the introduction of some hydrophilie modifiers in the polymer [395-402]. 

This paper presents photografting as a surface modification method to provide permanent wettability improvement to deep-groove polypropylene (PP) fibers. We also describe approaches to evaluate the wettability of these fibers and the wicking performance of fiber bundles when polyacrylamide (PAAm) was grafted onto the fibers. In this study, the concentration of the monomer and the UV-exposure time were altered to examine the effects of those variables on fiber hydrophilicity. Results showed lower water contact angle and improved wicking capacity upon modification with PAAm. 

Acrylonitrile has been grafted onto many polymeric systems. In particular, acrylonitrile grafting has been used to impart hydrophilic behavior to starch (143—145) and polymer fibers (146). Exceptional water absorption capabiUty results from the grafting of acrylonitrile to starch, and the use of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid [15214-89-8] along with acrylonitrile for grafting results in copolymers that can absorb over 5000 times their weight of deionized water (147). 

Most textile fibers are hygroscopic at least to some extent, and therefore capable of absorbing moisture from the atmosphere, which is a direct reflection of chemical stmcture. Textile fibers vary from those that may be considered hydrophilic to those that are essentially hydrophobic (8—10). 

Fibrillated Fibers. Instead of extmding cellulose acetate into a continuous fiber, discrete, pulp-like agglomerates of fine, individual fibrils, called fibrets or fibrids, can be produced by rapid precipitation with an attenuating coagulation fluid. The individual fibers have diameters of 0.5 to 5.0 ]lni and lengths of 20 to 200 )Jm (Fig. 10). The surface area of the fibrillated fibers are about 20 m /g, about 60—80 times that of standard textile fibers. These materials are very hydrophilic an 85% moisture content has the appearance of a dry soHd (72). One appHcation is in a paper stmcture where their fine fiber size and branched stmcture allows mechanical entrapment of small particles. The fibers can also be loaded with particles to enhance some desired performance such as enhanced opacity for papers. When filled with metal particles it was suggested they be used as a radar screen in aerial warfare (73). 

Physically or chemically modifying the surface of PET fiber is another route to diversified products. Hydrophilicity, moisture absorption, moisture transport, soil release, color depth, tactile aesthetics, and comfort all can be affected by surface modification. Examples iaclude coatiag the surface with multiple hydroxyl groups (40), creatiag surface pores and cavities by adding a gas or gas-forming additive to the polymer melt (41), roughening the surface... 

After drying, the aluminum resinates are immobile below 100°C and are oriented with the hydrophilic carboxyl groups combined with aluminum on the fiber surface, and the hydrophobic bulk of the rosin molecule oriented outwardly. 

Because the mechanical properties of hydrophilic fibers are critically dependent on moisture regain, it is vital that such fibers be tested under constant conditions of temperature and humidity. Standard conditions used in the textile industry are 65% relative humidity and 21°C (1,2,21,96). ASTM D1909, D2118, and D2720 Hst accepted commercial moisture regain values used in the buying and selling of fibers. 

There is Httle difference between the wet and the dry stress—strain diagrams of hydrophobic fibers, eg, nylon, acryHc, and polyester. Hydrophilic protein fibers and regenerated cellulose exhibit lower tensile moduH on wetting out, that is, the elongations increase and the strengths diminish. Hydrophilic natural ceUulosic fibers, ie, cotton, linen, and ramie, are stronger when wet than when dry. 

Poly(vinyl butyral), prepared by reacting poly(vinyl alcohol) with -butyraldehyde, finds wide appHcation as the interlayer in safety glass and as an adhesive for hydrophilic surfaces (161). Another example is the reaction of poly(vinyl alcohol) with formaldehyde to form poly(vinyl formal), used in the production of synthetic fibers and sponges (162). 

The principle of blending a conduction fiber with a static-prone fiber has been known for years. A mixture of a substantial quantity (30—40%) of a hydrophilic fiber such as cotton or rayon with a hydrophobic static-prone fiber such as a polyester can produce a static-free blend under ordinary conditions. However, blocking the hydrophilic groups by cross-linking of the cotton with biflinctional reagents such as dimethylolethylene urea or addition of a water-repellent finish such as a sUicone resin increases the static propensity of such a blend. 

Water-Holding Capacity (WHC). AU polysaccharides are hydrophilic and hydrogen bond to variable amounts of water. HydratabUity is a function of the three-dimensional stmcture of the polymer (11) and is kifluenced by other components ki the solvent. Fibrous polymers and porous fiber preparations also absorb water by entrapment. The more highly crystalline fiber components are more difficult to hydrate and have less tendency to sweU. Stmctural features and other factors, including grinding, that decrease crystallinity or alter stmcture, may iacrease hydratioa capacity and solubUity. 

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