Abstract:

In order to better apply macromolecule gel in textile modification field, a series of chitosan/poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) gels were synthesized by interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) technology. The cotton fabric was modified with the prepared gels using glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agent by two-dipping-two-padding process to improve the liquid moisture transfer property of cottonfabric. The influence of weight gain ratio on moisture penetrability and liquid moisture transfer capacity of modified cotton fabric was researched in detail. The results indicate that the modified cotton fabric has the low critical solution temperature at 34.45℃ and the IPN gel shows well combination with cotton fiber. The moisture penetrability of modified cotton fabrics with high weight gain rate are significantly improved when the temperature is higher than oow critical solution temperature. Furthermore, the modified cotton fabrics have excellent one-way liquid moisture transfer capacity. The modified cotton fabrics are better in liquid moisture transfer capacity at high weight gain ratio. The moisture penetrability and liquid moisture transfer capacity of cotton fabric are significantly improved with IPN gel modification.

Key words: thermosensitive gel, liquid moisture transfer capacity, interpenetrating polymer network,  N-isopropylacrylamide, chitosan, smart fabric