Modification of High-Strength and High-Modulus Polyethylene Fiber Surfaces for the Purpose of Dyeing

We investigated the dyeing properties of polysiloxane networks formed on high-strength and high-modulus polyethylene fiber after hydroxyl groups were introduced onto the fiber surface by chemical treatment. Hydrogen peroxide in o-xylene emulsion in a volume ratio of 1:10 was emulsified by sonication. The emulsion was found to be effective for introduction of hydroxide groups onto the fiber surface. The introduced hydroxide groups reached maximum levels by treatment for approximately 5 min at 80°C. The treatment did not influence the tensile strength of the fiber. Utilizing a polysiloxane network in conjunction with the strong fiber surface formed by treating with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) solution, the dyeing properties of an anionic dye, C.I. Acid Blue 25 was examined. The dyeing resulted in a bluish polyethylene fiber and the color depended upon the duration of treatment with the APS solution. The method proposed in the present study can be used to dye a polyethylene fiber surface.