Poly(methyl methacrylate)/polysiloxane core‐shell latex as a deepening agent for dyed polyester fabric

Abstract

Polyester fabrics are usually difficult to dye deeply due to their high refractive indexes. In this study, poly(methyl methacrylate)/polysiloxane core‐shell latex was used as a deepening agent in the colour‐deepening finishing of dyed polyester fabrics by lowering the refraction index and enhancing the diffuse reflection via the rough surface. Poly(methyl methacrylate)/polysiloxane core‐shell latex has a better shade‐deepening effect than polysiloxane latex on dyed polyester fabrics. The mass ratio of core/shell monomer and the finishing conditions of the polyester fabrics had a large influence on shade deepening. The optimum finishing conditions were obtained for a mass ratio of core/shell monomer of 1:2, a deepening agent concentration of 10 wt%, a pick‐up of 80%, and a curing temperature of 180°C. After a deepening finishing, the dyed polyester fabrics showed a small colour difference and the colour fastness barely decreased.