No abstract

In the present study, stabilized rayon fabrics were prepared from fast isothermal stabilization processes, which were carried out within four minutes at 350°C. The effects of ultrasonic cleaning and chemical pre-treatment on the chemical composition, physical characteristics, X-ray diffraction pattern, thermal stability and shape of the stabilized rayon fabrics were investigated extensively. In order to reduce the weight loss and thermal shrinkage of rayon fabrics occurring during the stabilization process, ultrasonic cleaning was first conducted and then chemical pre-treatments using NH4Cl, Na3PO4, H3PO4, and ZnCl2 were performed, respectively. The results indicated that both ultrasonic cleaning and chemical pre-treatment influenced the weight loss, thermal shrinkage, microstructure, carbon content, thermal stability and fabric shape of stabilized rayon fabrics. Also the results depended on the fast-stabilization time and the type of chemical pre-treatment agents used.