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Effect of Co2 Laser Radiation on Surface and Dyeing Properties of Synthetic Fibres

Fátima Esteves (Textile Engineering Department, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal)
Helena Alonso (Textile Engineering Department, University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal)

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel

ISSN: 1560-6074

Article publication date: 1 August 2007

125

Abstract

Chemical treatment methods are most often used nowadays for polymer surface modification; however, new technologies are now considered, especially in physical treatment methods, as laser technologies. Infra-red lasers, like CO2, appear to be advantageous due to their large beam size, high efficiency, easy operation, use of non-toxic gases and low cost. However, they have been less used than others for surface treatment of polymers, possibly due to the thermal damage effects caused by infra-red radiation. This shortcoming can be overcome by the use of pulsed lasers. CO2 pulsed laser can be considered as a non-contact and environmental-friendly treatment technique for the modification of the surface of polymers. Surface morphological modifications can be produced, resulting in changes in the physical and chemical properties of the materials, such as water absorption and dyeing. In this work, polyester and polyamide fabrics were treated with a CO2 pulsed laser and then dyed with different commercial dyes. Dyeing properties were investigated and changes in the dye ability of laser treated fibres are expected. Laser treatment created certain roughness on the fibre surface, resulting in an increase of the overall surface area and a subsequent enhancement of dye adsorption.

Keywords

Citation

Esteves, F. and Alonso, H. (2007), "Effect of Co2 Laser Radiation on Surface and Dyeing Properties of Synthetic Fibres", Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, Vol. 11 No. 3, pp. 42-47. https://doi.org/10.1108/RJTA-11-03-2007-B006

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2007 Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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