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The effect of short heat treatment on different properties of PET fiber using double beam interference microscopy
T Z N Sokkar1, K A El-Farhaty1, M A El-Bakary1
1Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Egypt.
Abstract:
Pluta microscope used to throw light on the effect of heat treatment time on the different properties of poly (ethylene terephthalate) PET fibers. PET fibers were annealed at times ranged from 5 to 30 min at different temperatures (150, 170, 190, 210°C) using two different processes (fast cooling and slow cooling processes) in air. The refractive indices, the shrinkage, orientation factor and crystallinity of PET fibers were determined for different annealing temperature during the short time treatment. The shrinkage percentage and degree of crystallinity increased with increasing the temperature and time of annealing. Microinterferograms are given for illustration.
Insights
Heat treatment of poly (ethylene terephthalate) fibers significantly impacts their properties. Annealing increases shrinkage and crystallinity, with effects dependent on temperature and time.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Textile Engineering
Background:
- Poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is a widely used polymer in fiber production.
- Heat treatment is a common method to modify PET fiber properties.
- Understanding the effects of annealing parameters is crucial for optimizing fiber performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of heat treatment time and temperature on PET fiber properties.
- To analyze the influence of different cooling processes (fast vs. slow) on annealed PET fibers.
- To quantify changes in refractive indices, shrinkage, orientation factor, and crystallinity.
Main Methods:
- PET fibers were subjected to annealing at temperatures ranging from 150°C to 210°C for 5 to 30 minutes.
- Two cooling methods, fast and slow cooling in air, were employed post-annealing.
- Microscopy (Pluta microscope) and other techniques were used to measure key fiber properties.
Main Results:
- Shrinkage percentage and the degree of crystallinity in PET fibers increased with higher annealing temperatures and longer treatment times.
- Refractive indices, orientation factor, and microinterferograms were determined, showing variations based on treatment conditions.
- The study observed a direct correlation between annealing parameters and the resulting physical and structural changes in PET fibers.
Conclusions:
- Heat treatment, specifically annealing time and temperature, significantly influences the physical and structural characteristics of PET fibers.
- Increased annealing temperature and time lead to enhanced shrinkage and crystallinity.
- The findings provide valuable insights for tailoring PET fiber properties through controlled heat treatment processes.
