WETTABILITY OF PHOTOGRAFTED DEEP-GROOVE POLYPROPYLENE FIBERS

摘要

This paper presents photografting as a surface modification method to provide permanent wettability improvement to deep-groove polypropylene (PP) fibers. We also describe approaches to evaluate the wettability of these fibers and the wicking performance of fiber bundles when polyacrylamide (PAAm) was grafted onto the fibers. In this study, the concentration of the monomer and the UV-exposure time were altered to examine the effects of those variables on fiber hydrophilicity. Results showed lower water contact angle and improved wicking capacity upon modification with PAAm.