| Abstract: | The effect of (a) short-wave ultraviolet radiation (mainly 253-7 mμ) and (b) near-ultraviolet and visible radiation on polymer films dyed with the two disperse dyes, 1-methylaminoanthraquinone and 1,4-bismethylaminoanthraquinone, has been studied. Dyes on nylon films undergo reduction when exposed in dry nitrogen to 253-7-mμ radiation. The effect of near-ultraviolet and visible radiation is different; in dry nitrogen, 1-methylaminoanthraquinone on N-methoxymethylnylon film is reduced to the same extent as with 253-7-mμ radiation, but on other nylon films (nylon 6, nylon 6.6, and nylon 11) the reduction observed with this dye is much smaller. There is no evidence of reduction of 1,4-bismethylaminoanthraquinone on any of the nylon films. On cellulose acetate film, neither dye is reduced on exposure in dry nitrogen, by either source of radiation. The significance of these results in relation to the photo-sensitised degradation of textile fibres is discussed. |
