INVESTIGATION OF INFLUENCE OF STYRENE-ACRYLIC POLYMERS ON PHYSICAL, MECHANICAL AND HYGIENIC PROPERTIES OF COTTON FABRIC

Abstract

The purpose of the work is to study the effect of styrene-acrylic polymer coatings on the change in physical, mechanical and hygienic properties of cotton fabric. Aqueous dispersions of styrene-acrylic polymers (Lacrytex 640, Akratam AS 02.1, Tubifast AS 4010) were selected as the object of study. The processing of cotton fabric was carried out by the method of impregnation with varying a concentration of the studied polymers in finishing bath from 50 g/l to 150 g/l, followed by drying and heat setting. Standardized methods for studying the properties of textile materials were applied. The effect of polymer coatings on the physical and mechanical properties of cotton fabric was evaluated by the indicators of weight gain, thickness and rigidity. The hygienic properties of treated cotton fabric were characterized by hygroscopicity and breathability. The paper presents the results of a study of the dependence of physical, mechanical and hygienic properties of cotton fabric on the type and concentration of styrene-acrylic dispersions used. According to the results of the experiment, it was found that the acrylic copolymer Lacrytex 640 increases the elastic properties of treated fabric in the entire concentration range studied. It was determined that the greatest decrease in air permeability is typical for fabric samples coated on the basis of Akratam AS 02.1 dispersion. The hygroscopicity of cotton textile material with an increase in a concentration of the studied styrene-acrylic polymer dispersions from 50 g/l to 100 g/l decreases slightly (by 2%). It is proved that the styrene-acrylic copolymer Tubifast AS 4010 due to the formation of highly elastic film provides a soft handle and high hygienic properties of cotton fabric. The obtained experimental results are of practical value in the development of new finishing compositions for textile materials.