Water Absorption and Mechanical Properties of Pile-Knit Fabrics Based on Conjugate N/P Microfibers

The effect of chemical splitting on the water absorption and mechanical properties of a split-type nylon/polyester (N/P) microfiber pile knit is investigated under various alkaline hydrolysis treatment conditions. Weight loss of the hydrolyzed pile knit increases as hydrolysis time, temperature, and concentration of sodium hydroxide increase. Areal density decreases with increased weight loss. Maximum water absorption (%) is 28.1 % of weight loss. In terms of mechanical properties measured by KES-FB, deformation of the shape of the knit is easy due to decreased tensile strength. Bending and shearing values diminish, which leads to increased drapability and flexibility. Surface properties vary with changes in weight loss. The morphological study reveals that the fineness of the split polyester microfibers decreases with increased weight loss.