Reactions of PET fibers with ethylenediamine in a water solution containing surfactants

Abstract

The aminolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers with diamine, such as ethylenediamine, is one of the important methods to introduce free amino groups on their surface chemically. The aminolyzed PET fibers can easily interact with various dyestuffs or functional materials, similar to conventional fibers having amino groups, such as wool, silk, and nylon fibers. However, the vapor of ethylenediamine is a toxic and corrosive gas for human skin. In this paper, the reactions of PET fibers with ethylenediamine in an aqueous solution containing various surfactants were investigated to introduce amino groups on their surface safely. Interestingly, the obtained fibers are not only dyed more deeply by acid dyes but also maintain stronger mechanical strength than fibers reacted in an aqueous solution not containing surfactants.