Modification of polypropylene fibres with cationic polypropylene dispersion for improved dyeability

Polypropylene (PP) fibres are important hydrophobic fibres which are used in the production of functional textiles such as sports textiles. The absence of functional groups and low polarity make PP fibres difficult to dye, thus mass coloration during fibre extrusion is the major technique applied today. However, the disadvantage of mass coloration is the low flexibility and the demand to produce high volumes. A new method to modify the surface of PP fibres utilises the deposition and thermal fixation of cationic PP dispersion. Through padding and thermal fixation of a cationic PP dispersion, dyeable 100% PP fibres can be obtained. The effects of fixation temperature, and of the amount of dispersion used on the modified fibres were studied using Fourier Transform‐infrared spectroscopy, laser scanning microscopy, dyeing experiments with CI Acid Red 151, and by determining selected fastness properties. The results indicate the potential of this new method to produce surface‐modified 100% PP fibres, which can be dyed in conventional acid‐dyeing processes and therefore used in fibre blends, for example in combination with wool.