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Updated: May 31, 2026

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Microwave-assisted Functionalization of Poly(ethylene glycol) and On-resin Peptides for Use in Chain Polymerizations and Hydrogel Formation
Published on: October 29, 2013
Functional finishing of aminated polyester using biopolymer-based polyelectrolyte microgels.
Pelagia Glampedaki1, Victoria Dutschk, Dragan Jocic
1Engineering of Fibrous Smart Materials, Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, The Netherlands. p.glampedaki@utwente.nl
Biotechnology Journal
|July 14, 2011
Summary
This study developed a microgel coating for polyester textiles, enhancing moisture management and wear comfort. The functionalized fabric exhibits pH- and temperature-controlled wettability for improved performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Textile Engineering
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Polyester textiles often require enhanced hydrophilicity and moisture management for improved wear comfort.
- Developing stimuli-responsive functionalization methods is key to advanced textile properties.
- Microgel technology offers tunable properties for surface modification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a microgel-based functionalization method for polyester textiles.
- To impart pH- and temperature-controlled wettability and moisture management properties.
- To enhance the wear comfort of polyester fabrics.
Main Methods:
- Polyester surface amination using ethylenediamine.
- Incorporation of biopolymer-based polyelectrolyte microgels (chitosan and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid)) using genipin.
- Characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), electrokinetic analysis, dynamic wetting measurements, and dynamic light scattering (DLS).
Main Results:
- Successful microgel functionalization on polyester surfaces confirmed by SEM and XPS.
- Functionalized polyester exhibited pH-dependent wettability with a zero-charge point at pH 6.5.
- Shorter total water absorption time and increased vapor transmission rates at 40 °C were observed.
- Microgel thermoresponsiveness confirmed by a significant decrease in microparticle size with increasing temperature.
Conclusions:
- The microgel functionalization method effectively improves polyester's hydrophilicity and moisture management properties.
- The developed coatings offer tunable wettability based on pH and temperature, enhancing wear comfort.
- This approach provides a promising strategy for creating advanced functional textiles.

