GRAFTING OF 2-HYDROXY ETHYL METHACRYLATE ONTO WOOL YARNS TO IMPROVE THEIR SHRINK-RESISTANCE AND FASTNESS PROPERTIES

In this study, 2-Hydroxy ethyl methacrylate (HEMA) monomer was grafted onto wool yarns via chemically-induced method. Grafting conditions and product characterization were investigated. The effects of grafting temperature, grafting time, monomer and initiator concentrations on grafting yield (GY) percentages were examined and the optimum grafting conditions were determined. Maximum GY value was obtained as 55%. Swelling tests showed that grafting of HEMA negatively affect the swelling percentages of wool grafted yarns. SEM analyses also were performed in order to detect the surface differences between grafted and ungrafted yarns. The dyed fibers were subjected to weather, washing and rubbing fastness tests and higher fastness ratings were observed for grafted yarns, compared to ungrafted samples. Shrinking tests were also carried out to 10%, 20% and 35% HEMA grafted wool yarns and satisfactory results were obtained