Microcellulose particles for surface modification to enhance moisture management properties of polyester, and polyester/cotton blend fabrics

In this work we studied the effect of surface treated fabric by applying Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) Particles using two different procedures. The first method was to dissolve MCC particles and form a MCC solution which further was blended with a textile binder to obtain the fabric coating. The second treatment was direct blending MCC particles with same textile binder in order to get the fabric finishing to be sprayed on the fabric surface. The percentage of MCC particles was chosen 6%, as this ratio can be considered the most appropriate one. The effect of these treatments on fabrics moisture wettability with varying percentage of coating was studied. It was concluded that the second method by spraying MCC Particles directly on the fabric surface gives superior improved fabric's wettability and moisture management than solving the MCC and coating the fabric surface. The morphological study using SEM confirmed the presence of MCC particles on the fabric surface; therefore, intensification fiber surface energy leads to increase the wicking properties and increase the rate of water absorption. (C) 2015 Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.