A Study of Ionomers of Polyethylene‐acrylic Acid Copolymer (PEAA): LATEX DISPERSIONS FOR IMPROVING THE TENSILE AND ABRASION PROPERTIES OF TEXTILES CONTAINING COTTON

• Published in: International journal of clothing science and technology 1993-02, Vol.5 (2), p.20-25
• Main Authors: Hall, David M., Broughton, Roy M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0955-6222
• DOI: 10.1108/eb003013

Describes a study in which three fabric samples containing 50 per cent to 100 per cent cotton were treated with various wettable latex dispersions of Polythylene Acrylic Acid (PEAA) copolymer having 20 per cent acrylic acid content. Additionally, 100 per cent cotton yarn (25's cc) were sized with the dispersions at add‐ons of 2 per cent to about 14 per cent. Some of the alkali PEAA was subsequently converted to aluminium and aluminium/magnesium (1:3) ionomers. In both the yarn and fabrics the abrasion resistance could be significantly improved. The abrasion resistance of the ionomer forms was not as good as the alkali form. Yarn tensile strengths were improved but gave lower elongation at break. The fabric tensile properties were lowered by the treatments. Concludes that the treatments offer potential improvements in the wear life of fabrics which are laundered infrequently, such as outerwear for apparel, shoe canvas and upholstery.