Abstract
The irradiation of Ultra-Violet (UV) is an efficient treatment for polymer to improve hydrophilic properties. 4-Channel PET knit fabrics were treated with UVA and UVC to develop functional and environment-friendly fabric. The fabric was treated with various treatment times and distances from UV lamps having different wavelength. FT-IR and XPS investigated the chemical changes. To confirm the change of surface properties, contact angle, surface energy and SEM were examined. The study of UV as a treatment for PET knit fabric shows significant changes in chemical and surface properties, which is proved by analyses. FT-IR and XPS analyses prove the augmentation of carboxylic, Hydrophilic groups on the surfaces treated by UV. The increase of water contact angle and surface energy means more water wettable and surface energy of PET film was substantially increased by UV irradiation time. The ageing after surface treatment had little influence on the surface energy of the irradiated PET film. SEM proves the surface modification of PET such as etching, bubble and crack. The negative effects are increased in accordance with increasing treatment time.