ELECTROKINETIC PROPERTIES OF MODIFIED POLYESTER FIBERS

Electrokinetic properties of normal polyester flat filament, texturized polyester and cationic dyeable polyester were studied when solutions of different pH and cationic dye concentrations were run through them. The textured polyester exhibited maximum negative zeta potential whereas cationic dyeable polyester showed minimum. The negative zeta potential was found to be maximum near neutral pH. The effect of heat-setting at extreme conditions (220-degrees-C, 90 s) on electrokinetic properties was also studied. Such heat-setting was found to lower negative zeta potential, attributed to a decrease in surface area. Cationic dyeable, ''easy'' dyeable, and normal flat filament type polyester were also investigated. Results with respect to negative zeta potential, surface charge density, and surface conductivity, are discussed. (C) 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.