Moisture absorption and sweat releasing functional polyester fiber and preparation method thereof
By using a two-step process to treat polyester fibers with cationic polyester polyether copolymers and polyurethane compounds, the problems of poor moisture absorption and breathability and static electricity of polyester fibers are solved, achieving a durable effect of high-efficiency moisture absorption and perspiration wicking and antistatic properties.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-20
AI Technical Summary
Existing polyester fibers (polyester) are highly hydrophobic and have poor moisture absorption and breathability, which means that the body's sweat cannot be absorbed and wicked away in time when wearing them, easily causing a damp and cold feeling, and easily generating static electricity, affecting comfort. Existing finishing agents cannot simultaneously achieve moisture absorption, perspiration wicking, antistatic properties and durability.
A two-step process is used to fix cationic polyester polyether copolymer and polyurethane compound finishing agent onto polyester fiber, respectively. The cationic polyester polyether copolymer is prepared through transesterification and polycondensation reaction to form a hydrophilic film, which provides antistatic and moisture-wicking properties. The two work synergistically.
It achieves multiple functions of polyester fiber, such as rapid moisture absorption, moisture wicking, rapid drying, antistatic properties, and anti-pilling properties, with good overall performance and durability, and synergistic effects.
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of polyester fibers, and more particularly to a moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber and its preparation method. Background Technology
[0002] Polyester fiber (polyester) is widely used due to its high strength, good elasticity, and low cost. However, its macromolecular chains lack hydrophilic groups, resulting in strong hydrophobicity and poor moisture absorption and breathability. When wearing clothing made of ordinary polyester, human sweat cannot be absorbed and wicked away in time, easily forming a damp and cold feeling on the skin surface, causing stuffiness and discomfort, and seriously affecting wearing comfort. In addition, polyester fibers are very prone to generating static electricity due to friction, which not only makes them uncomfortable to wear but also easily attracts dust.
[0003] To improve the moisture-wicking properties of polyester, existing technologies mainly employ two approaches: physical modification (such as irregular cross-sections) and chemical finishing. Among chemical finishing methods, polyester polyether finishing agents are widely used, providing a certain degree of durability through the co-crystallization of polyester segments with polyester fibers. However, these agents often offer limited improvement in antistatic properties, and their performance still has room for improvement. On the other hand, polyurethane finishing agents can form soft hydrophilic films, but when used alone, their bonding strength (wash resistance) with polyester fibers sometimes fails to meet the highest standards.
[0004] Currently, most research focuses on the development or application of single-type finishing agents, resulting in unsatisfactory synergistic effects and difficulty in simultaneously achieving multiple properties such as moisture absorption, perspiration wicking, antistatic properties, and durability. Therefore, developing a new technology that can comprehensively improve the moisture absorption and perspiration wicking properties, antistatic properties, and excellent washability of polyester fabrics has become an urgent problem to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention
[0005] To address the problems of existing technologies, this paper provides a moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber and its preparation method, which can take into account multiple properties such as moisture absorption, perspiration wicking, antistatic properties, and durability.
[0006] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows: A method for preparing a moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber, wherein the moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber is composed of a polyester fiber substrate and a functional finishing agent fixed thereon through a finishing process. The functional finishing agent includes a first finishing agent and a second finishing agent; The first finishing agent is a cationic polyester polyether copolymer; The second finishing agent is a polyurethane compound.
[0007] Furthermore, the cationic polyester polyether copolymer is prepared from the following raw materials through transesterification and polycondensation reaction: dimethyl terephthalate, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol and quaternary ammonium salt cationic monomer.
[0008] Furthermore, the quaternary ammonium salt cationic monomer is dodecyl dihydroxyethyl methyl ammonium chloride; the molecular weight of the polyethylene glycol is 1500-4000.
[0009] Furthermore, the molar ratio of dimethyl terephthalate to polyethylene glycol is 3:0.8-1.2; the molar ratio of polyethylene glycol to dodecylbis(hydroxyethyl)methylammonium chloride is 1:0.3-0.5; the polycondensation reaction temperature is 240-260℃, and the reaction time is 20-40 minutes.
[0010] Furthermore, the molar ratio of dimethyl terephthalate to polyethylene glycol is 3:1.2, and the molar ratio of polyethylene glycol to dodecylbis(hydroxyethyl)methylammonium chloride is 1:0.37; the polycondensation reaction temperature is 250°C, and the reaction time is 30 minutes.
[0011] Furthermore, the polyurethane compound is designated as Hipom HP-192A.
[0012] This invention provides a method for preparing moisture-wicking functional polyester fibers, characterized by comprising the following steps: (1) First finishing: The polyester fiber is treated with a first working solution containing the cationic polyester polyether copolymer and then pre-dried so that the first finishing agent is initially fixed to the fiber through cross-linking or co-crystallization. (2) Second finishing: The fibers treated in step (1) are treated with a second working liquid containing the polyurethane compound, and then dried and baked so that the second finishing agent forms a hydrophilic film on the fiber surface; (3) Post-processing and finished product preparation: The fiber baked in step (2) is cooled, then wound, inspected and packaged to obtain the moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber.
[0013] Furthermore, the concentration of the cationic polyester polyether copolymer in the first working solution is 20-30 g / L; and the concentration of the polyurethane compound in the second working solution is 10-50 g / L. Furthermore, in step (1), the processing method is immersion rolling, the roll residue rate is 60%-80%, the pre-drying temperature is 100-110℃, and the pre-drying time is 5-10 minutes.
[0014] Furthermore, in step (2), the processing method is immersion rolling, the roll residue rate is 60%-80%, the drying temperature is 100-110℃, the baking temperature is 160-180℃, and the baking time is 50-70 seconds. Beneficial effects
[0015] 1. Synergistic effect: Cationic polyester polyether copolymers not only provide hydrophilicity, but their quaternary ammonium salt groups also bring long-lasting antistatic properties; the polyurethane forms a highly hydrophilic film that further enhances moisture wicking and improves the feel. The two work synergistically to achieve a "1+1>2" effect.
[0016] 2. Durable performance: Through the two-step process of "anchoring first and then film formation", the first finishing agent co-crystallizes firmly with the fiber, providing a stable foundation for the second finishing agent, making the overall functional finishing agent have excellent water resistance.
[0017] 3. Comprehensive functions: The final product has multiple functions such as rapid moisture absorption, efficient moisture wicking, rapid drying, anti-static and anti-pilling. Detailed Implementation
[0018] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to embodiments. It should be noted that the following embodiments and comparative examples are examples of the present invention and are only used to illustrate the invention, not to limit it. Other combinations and various modifications within the scope of the present invention can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
[0019] Polyethylene glycol (PEG-2000, PEG-3000) was purchased from Nantong Chenrun Chemical Co., Ltd.; polyurethane compound (Hipom HP-192A) was purchased from Hengguang New Materials (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd.; polyurethane compound (moisture-wicking finishing agent LT-XS04) was purchased from Shanghai Lvtong Materials Co., Ltd.
[0020] Unless otherwise specified, all chemical reagents used in this invention are commercially available analytical grade reagents.
[0021] Preparation of cationic polyester polyether copolymer A: Under nitrogen protection, 0.5 mol of dimethyl terephthalate, 1.0 mol of ethylene glycol, and 0.1 g of zinc acetate catalyst were added to the reactor and heated to 150°C to dissolve. Then, the temperature was raised to 180°C and reacted for 2 hours. Next, 0.16 mol of polyethylene glycol (PEG-3000), 0.032 mol of dodecyl dihydroxyethyl methyl ammonium chloride, and 0.08 g of antimony trioxide were added. The temperature was slowly raised to 250°C, and then the vacuum pump was started. The reaction was carried out under a vacuum of less than 100 Pa for 30 minutes. After the reaction was completed, the vacuum was released, the material was discharged and cooled to obtain cationic polyester polyether copolymer A.
[0022] Preparation of cationic polyester polyether copolymer B: Under nitrogen protection, 0.5 mol of dimethyl terephthalate, 1.05 mol of ethylene glycol, and 0.1 g of zinc acetate catalyst were added to the reactor and heated to 150°C to dissolve them. Then, the temperature was raised to 180°C and reacted for 2 hours. Then, 0.17 mol of polyethylene glycol (PEG-2000), 0.034 mol of dodecyl dihydroxyethyl methyl ammonium chloride, and 0.08 g of antimony trioxide were added. The temperature was slowly raised to 250°C, and then the vacuum pump was started. The reaction was carried out under a vacuum of less than 100 Pa for 35 minutes. After the reaction was completed, the vacuum was released, the material was discharged and cooled to obtain cationic polyester polyether copolymer A.
[0023] Preparation of cationic polyester polyether copolymer C: Under nitrogen protection, 0.5 mol of dimethyl terephthalate, 1.0 mol of ethylene glycol, and 0.1 g of zinc acetate catalyst were added to the reactor and heated to 150°C to dissolve. Then, the temperature was raised to 180°C and reacted for 2 hours. Next, 0.06 mol of polyethylene glycol (PEG-2000), 0.005 mol of dodecyl dihydroxyethyl methyl ammonium chloride, and 0.08 g of antimony trioxide were added. The temperature was slowly raised to 250°C, and then the vacuum pump was started. The reaction was carried out under a vacuum of less than 100 Pa for 30 minutes. After the reaction was completed, the vacuum was released, the material was discharged and cooled to obtain cationic polyester polyether copolymer C. Example
[0024] Preparation method of moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber: (1) First finishing: The cationic polyester polyether copolymer A was mixed with deionized water and ethanol (volume ratio of deionized water and ethanol 95:5) to prepare a first working solution with a concentration of 25 g / L. The polyester fiber (150 g / m²) was dipped and rubbed twice in the working solution, and the roll residue was controlled at 70%. The dipped polyester fiber was pre-dried in an oven at 105°C for 10 minutes to allow the first finishing agent to be initially fixed to the fiber. (2) Second finishing: The polyurethane compound (Hipom HP-192A) and deionized water are mixed to prepare a second working solution with a concentration of 30 g / L. The polyester fiber after the first step is dipped and rubbed twice in the second working solution, and the padding rate is controlled at 70%. The dipped and rubbed fabric is dried at 105°C and then sent to the setting machine and baked at 170°C for 60 seconds. (3) Post-processing and finished product preparation: The fiber baked in step (2) is cooled, then wound, inspected and packaged to obtain the moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber. Example
[0025] Preparation method of moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber: (1) First finishing: The cationic polyester polyether copolymer B is mixed with deionized water and ethanol (volume ratio of deionized water and ethanol 95:5) to prepare a first working solution with a concentration of 20 g / L. The polyester fiber (150 g / m²) is dipped and rubbed twice in the working solution, and the roll residue is controlled at 65%. The dipped polyester fiber is pre-dried in an oven at 100°C for 12 minutes to allow the first finishing agent to be initially fixed to the fiber. (2) Second finishing: The polyurethane compound (Hipom HP-192A) and deionized water are mixed to prepare a second working solution with a concentration of 40 g / L. The polyester fiber after the first step is dipped and rubbed twice in the second working solution, and the padding rate is controlled at 75%. The dipped and rubbed fabric is dried at 100°C and then sent to a setting machine for baking at 170°C for 60 seconds. (3) Post-processing and finished product preparation: The fiber baked in step (2) is cooled, then wound, inspected and packaged to obtain the moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber. Example
[0026] Preparation method of moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber: (1) First finishing: The cationic polyester polyether copolymer A is mixed with deionized water and ethanol (volume ratio of deionized water and ethanol 95:5) to prepare a first working solution with a concentration of 30 g / L. The polyester fiber (150 g / m²) is dipped and rubbed twice in the working solution, and the roll residue is controlled at 80%. The dipped polyester fiber is pre-dried in an oven at 110°C for 5 minutes to allow the first finishing agent to be initially fixed to the fiber. (2) Second finishing: The polyurethane compound (Hipom HP-192A) and deionized water are mixed to prepare a second working solution with a concentration of 15 g / L. The polyester fiber after the first step is dipped and rubbed twice in the second working solution, and the padding rate is controlled at 60%. The dipped and rubbed fabric is dried at 110°C and then sent to the setting machine and baked at 160°C for 70 seconds. (3) Post-processing and finished product preparation: The fiber baked in step (2) is cooled, then wound, inspected and packaged to obtain the moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber. Example
[0027] The difference between this preparation example and Example 1 is that "cationic polyester polyether copolymer A" in the first finishing process is replaced with "cationic polyester polyether copolymer C".
[0028] Comparative Example 1 The difference between this preparation example and Example 1 is that step (2) is removed and step (3) is adjusted to "post-processing and finished product preparation: the fiber baked in step (1) is cooled, and then wound, inspected and packaged to obtain the moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber".
[0029] Comparative Example 2 The difference between this preparation example and Example 1 is that the "cationic polyester polyether copolymer A" used in the first finishing process is replaced with polyethylene glycol (PEG-3000).
[0030] Comparative Example 3 The difference between this preparation example and Example 1 is that the "polyurethane compound Hipom HP-192A" used in the second finishing process is replaced with "LT-XS04".
[0031] The moisture-wicking functional polyester fibers obtained in Examples 1-4 and Comparative Examples 1-3 were subjected to the following performance tests: 1. Water droplet diffusion time (s): Refer to GB / T 21655.1-2008, the time required for a water droplet to completely diffuse on the fabric surface. The shorter the time, the better.
[0032] 2. Core suction height (mm / 30min): Refer to FZ / T 01071-2008, the height of liquid climbing on the fabric within 30 minutes, the higher the better.
[0033] 3. Static voltage half-life (s): Refer to GB / T 12703.1-2008, the time required for the static voltage on the fabric to decay to half. The shorter the time, the better the antistatic property.
[0034] 4. Moisture Residual Rate (%): After equilibration in a desiccator for 24 hours at a standard temperature of 25℃ and relative humidity of 65%, the initial mass is weighed. Then, 0.2 ml of water is added, and the sample is left to stand for 60 minutes. The mass of the sample after moisture absorption is then quickly weighed, and the percentage of remaining moisture is calculated. The lower the percentage, the faster the drying. Moisture Residual Rate (%) = (Mass of sample after moisture absorption - Initial mass of sample) / Mass of added deionized water × 100%.
[0035] The test results are detailed in Table 1. Table 1: Performance data of moisture-wicking functional polyester fibers obtained in Examples 1-4 and Comparative Examples 1-3
[0036] Based on the data from the above examples and comparative examples, it can be seen that the fibers obtained in Examples 1-3 exhibit excellent moisture absorption and wicking properties, as well as superior water droplet diffusion rate, wicking height, antistatic efficiency, and water evaporation rate. Compared to Example 4, Example 4 used cationic polyester polyether copolymer C (low cationic monomer content), resulting in a slightly lower degree of cationic modification on the fiber surface, weakened synergistic effect with the polyurethane finishing agent, slightly longer water droplet diffusion time, slightly lower wicking height, and a slight decrease in elastic recovery rate. Compared to Comparative Example 1, Example 1 did not undergo a second polyurethane finishing process, lacking the film-forming penetration assistance of hydrophilic polyurethane, resulting in... Insufficient density of hydrophilic groups on the fiber surface significantly prolongs water diffusion time, reduces wicking height, prolongs electrostatic half-life, and significantly increases moisture residue. Comparing Example 1 and Comparative Example 2, Comparative Example 2 uses polyethylene glycol (PEG-2000) instead of cationic polyester polyether copolymer. PEG has weak bonding with polyester fibers and is easily detached, failing to form a stable hydrophilic modified layer. This results in prolonged water diffusion time, reduced wicking height, worsened antistatic properties, and increased moisture residue. Comparing Example 1 and Comparative Example 3, Comparative Example 3 uses LT-XS04 instead of polyurethane compounds. The synergistic effect of LT-XS04 and cationic polyester polyether copolymer A is far less than that of Hipom HP-192A, leading to prolonged water diffusion time, reduced wicking height, prolonged electrostatic half-life, and increased moisture residue.
[0037] This invention can also be demonstrated through various other experimental examples. Without departing from the spirit and essence of this invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to this invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. A moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber, characterized in that, The moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber is composed of a polyester fiber substrate and a functional finishing agent fixed thereon through a finishing process. The functional finishing agent includes a first finishing agent and a second finishing agent; The first finishing agent is a cationic polyester polyether copolymer; The second finishing agent is a polyurethane compound.
2. The moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cationic polyester polyether copolymer is prepared from the following raw materials through transesterification and polycondensation reaction: dimethyl terephthalate, ethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol and quaternary ammonium salt cationic monomer.
3. The moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber according to claim 2, characterized in that, The quaternary ammonium salt cationic monomer is dodecyl dihydroxyethyl methyl ammonium chloride; the molecular weight of the polyethylene glycol is 1500-4000.
4. The moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber according to claim 2, characterized in that, The molar ratio of dimethyl terephthalate to polyethylene glycol is 3:0.8-1.2; the molar ratio of polyethylene glycol to dodecylbis(hydroxyethyl)methylammonium chloride is 1:0.3-0.5; the polycondensation reaction temperature is 240-260℃, and the reaction time is 20-40 minutes.
5. The moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The molar ratio of dimethyl terephthalate to polyethylene glycol is 3:1.2, and the molar ratio of polyethylene glycol to dodecylbis(hydroxyethyl)methylammonium chloride is 1:0.37; the polycondensation reaction temperature is 250°C, and the reaction time is 30 minutes.
6. The moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber according to claim 1, characterized in that, The polyurethane compound is Hipom HP-192A.
7. A method for preparing a moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: (1) First finishing: The polyester fiber substrate is treated with a first working solution containing the cationic polyester polyether copolymer and then pre-dried so that the first finishing agent is initially fixed to the fiber through cross-linking or co-crystallization. (2) Second finishing: The fibers treated in step (1) are treated with a second working liquid containing the polyurethane compound, and then dried and baked so that the second finishing agent forms a hydrophilic film on the fiber surface; (3) Post-processing and finished product preparation: The fiber baked in step (2) is cooled, then wound, inspected and packaged to obtain the moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber.
8. The method for preparing the moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber according to claim 7, characterized in that, The concentration of the cationic polyester polyether copolymer in the first working solution is 20-30 g / L; the concentration of the polyurethane compound in the second working solution is 10-50 g / L.
9. The method for preparing the moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber according to claim 7, characterized in that, In step (1), the processing method is immersion rolling, the roll residue rate is 60%-80%, the pre-drying temperature is 100-110℃, and the pre-drying time is 5-10 minutes.
10. The method for preparing the moisture-wicking functional polyester fiber according to claim 7, characterized in that, In step (2), the processing method is immersion rolling, the rolling residue rate is 60%-80%, the drying temperature is 100-110℃, the baking temperature is 160-180℃, and the baking time is 50-70 seconds.