Controlled Surface Modification of Polyamide 6.6 Fibres Using CaCl2/H2O/EtOH Solutions

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Polyamide 6.6 (PA66) is a durable textile polymer with limited modification potential.
• Surface modification is key to unlocking new functionalities in PA66 fibers.
• Existing modification methods often involve harsh chemicals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate controlled surface modification of PA66 fibers.
• To explore the use of a CaCl2/H2O/EtOH solvent system for fiber treatment.
• To understand the effects of solvent composition and treatment time on fiber properties.

Main Methods:

• Controlled surface modification of PA66 fibers using a CaCl2/H2O/EtOH solvent system.
• In situ and ex situ analysis of fiber properties under varying solvent compositions and treatment durations.
• Characterization of fiber morphology, diameter, surface roughness, and water retention.

Main Results:

• Fibers swell or dissolve based on solvent composition and treatment time.
• CaCl2 likely forms complexes with fiber carbonyl groups, leading to polymer precipitation upon washing.
• Treated fibers showed increased diameter, surface roughness, and water retention, with a distinct core-shell structure.

Conclusions:

• The CaCl2/H2O/EtOH system enables controlled surface modification of PA66 fibers.
• Treatment conditions can be tailored to alter fiber characteristics.
• This benign solvent system offers potential for developing advanced materials for active substance delivery.