Textile applications of commercial photochromic dyes: part8. A statistical investigation of the influence of photochromic dyes on thermoplastic fibres using a UV-irradiation technique

Abstract

This research investigates the influence of the commercial photochromic dye concentration, expressed as a percentage, and polymer type and their interaction on the photocoloration properties of the as-spun and drawn fibres regarding the melt-spinning process. As-spun fibres made of polypropylene, polyethylene and polyester were spun with different percentages of the photochromic dye, drawn, tested and analysed under a factorial experimental design using appropriate experimental and statistical methods. According to the analyses and by using an independent source of ultraviolet irradiation and traditional colour measurement instrumentation of the degree of photocoloration and background colour, the most effective and significant parameter influencing the as-spun fibre’s photocoloration properties are the polymer type; the dye percentage effect was noted in the degree of photocoloration. The effects of the multi-stage hot-drawing process on the photocoloration properties of the drawn polypropylene and polyethylene fibres were characterised and statistically modelled. The dyed fibres showed reversible photochromism, developing pronounced colours from weak background colours on irradiation with ultraviolet light and returning to their original state when the ultraviolet light source was removed. The dye percentage positively affects the photocoloration of the as-spun and drawn polypropylene and polyethylene fibres. A new forecasting data source was achieved to optimise the selection of the polymer and the dye percentage and to specify the direction of increasing or decreasing of the significant process parameters. Utilising the elastic properties of manufactured fibres, they could be used in the development of chromic textiles for creative design, functional or smart purposes.