The Disperse Dyeing of Polyetherimide Fibers Using Orthogonal Array (Taguchi) Design

Abstract

Polyetherimide (PEI) fibers are classified as high-performance fibers due to their notable characteristics, including chemical resistance, heat resistance, and flame resistance. However, the amorphous structure and intrinsic dyeability of polyetherimide (PEI) fibers set them apart from other high-performance fibers. The fibers possess considerable potential due to their remarkable performance features and are utilized in a wide range of industries, containing fashion and technical textiles, for varied purposes. The present work utilized the Orthogonal Array Taguchi method to systematically improve the dyeing process parameters for fabric samples made of polyetherimide (PEI). The use of a systematic methodology enabled effective experimentation and enabled the determination of the most favorable values of factors, while simultaneously reducing the utilization of resources. The study involved conducting rigorous experiments to evaluate the influence of several parameters on the color strength, tensile qualities, and washing fastness properties of the fabric samples. Furthermore, the utilization of the Taguchi approach facilitated the anticipation of these pivotal fabric properties by considering certain parameters. The objectives of this research encompass not only the progression of textile industry, but also the provision of beneficial perspectives for augmenting the caliber and efficacy of PEI fabrics in various applications.