Abstract:

Polyester fabrics were dyed with thermochromic dye prepared by sol-microsphere process. Influences of dye concentration, pH and time on the K/S values were discussed. The thermochromic mechanism of the dyed fabric was analyzed by FTIR. The reversible thermochromic property, response rate and time of the thermochromic polyester fabric were also investigated. Results showed K/S value of the polyester fabrics dyed with 6 g/L dye concentration at pH=6 for 90 min was 11, meanwhile the rubbing fastness and washing fastness were all above 4 scale，showing good dyeing performance. The dyed fabric gradually changed from blue to colorless from 30°C to 55°C because of the decrease of the conjugated system caused by electron transfer of the thermochromic dye under heating effect. The dyed fabric can restore to blue at lower temperature, the color difference was 30, thermochromic response rate was 17 s-1, and response time was 1 s. In consequence, the thermochromic polyester fabric prepared based on sol-microcapsule process has reversible and sensitive thermochromic properties.

Key words: thermochromic, sol-microsphere process, polyester fabric, reversible, dyeing property