AbstractHydrolysis of polyester fabrics with sodium hydroxide has been studied with a view to imparting hydrophilicity and other comfort‐related properties to polyester textiles. Effect of reaction parameters such as treatment time concentration of alkali, and temperature on the extent of hydrolysis is examined and the modified fabrics are evaluated for their important physical, mechanical, and physicochemical properties. The mechanism of hydrolytic degradation of polyester fabrics, as determined by the weight loss, has also been ascertained. Alkali progressively degrades polyester by saponification of its ester linkages and results in a loss in weight of the fabric. Weight loss increases linearly with treatment time and nonlinearly with alkali concentration and reaction temperature. A Linear correlation exists between strength loss of the fabric and its weight loss. By alkaline hydrolysis, surface hydrophilicity and feel of the fabric are considerably improved, whereas such properties as moisture regain, crease recovery angle, etc., remain practically unchanged. Attempts have been made to explain the results in terms of modifications in the surface characteristics of polyester fabric
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