The alkaline hydrolysis of polyester rotor spun yarns by treating with aqueous sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution (with and without catalyst) has been studied at various concentrations, times, and temperatures. The changes in the physical characteristics of the parent and the alkali-treated polyester rotor spun yarns, such as weight loss, strength loss, abrasion resistance, wicking behavior, coefficient of friction, and flexural rigidity were analyzed. The rates of strength loss and weight loss of the polyester rotor spun yarns showed an increasing trend as the concentration of NaOH increased from 5% to 15% and the temperature rose from 60 degrees C to 100 degrees C. The absorbency properties in terms of the wicking behavior of the alkali-treated yarns increased compared with those of the parent yarn. Due to the loss of mass from the fiber surface, a decreasing trend was observed in the abrasion resistance and flexural rigidity of the alkali-treated polyester rotor spun yarns when compared with the parent yarn. The polyester rotor spun yarns treated with 10% NaOH at 60 degrees C gave better results for the physical properties compared with the yarns subjected to the same treatment at 100 degrees C under comparable treatment conditions. This research work will enhance further study on improving comfort characteristics and developing new products in functional apparel using polyester rotor spun yarns.
