Polyester textile functionalization through incorporation of pH/thermo-responsive microgels. Part II: polyester...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Polyester textiles lack inherent stimuli-responsive properties.
• Surface functionalization is key to imparting new functionalities to textiles.
• Microgels offer tunable properties for advanced material design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To functionalize polyester textile surfaces using pH/temperature-responsive polyelectrolyte microgels.
• To impart stimuli-responsive wettability regulation to polyester textiles.
• To explore applications in biotechnology, technical, and protective clothing.

Main Methods:

• UV irradiation was used to incorporate poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) microgels (alone or with chitosan) onto polyester surfaces.
• Surface characterization included Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, ζ-potential, and topographical analysis.
• Wettability was assessed via dynamic wetting, water vapor transfer, and moisture regain measurements.

Main Results:

• Functionalized polyester surfaces exhibited pH-responsiveness in both acidic and alkaline conditions.
• Microgel incorporation increased water vapor transfer rates at 20°C and 40°C.
• Moisture regain decreased at 40°C (above the microgel's Lower Critical Solution Temperature), and absorption times varied significantly based on microgel type.

Conclusions:

• The developed method successfully functionalized polyester textiles with stimuli-responsive microgels.
• The functionalized textiles demonstrate tunable wettability and enhanced water vapor transport.
• These findings pave the way for novel functional textile materials with diverse applications.