Studies on thermal activities of fabrics treated by polyethylene glycol

In this study, the special adjusting-temperature function of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with low molecular weight was introduced. PEGs and a two-group mixing system of PEGs of different molecular weights were added to fabrics, respectively, and the thermal activities of modified fabrics were studied. In addition, the thermal stability of PEG and fabric at a higher curing temperature was also discussed in detail. The results showed that the thermal properties of PEG decreased after being crosslinked to fabrics and the thermal activity parameters of treated fabrics could be changed and adjusted by selecting an appropriate two-group mixing system. Some thermolysis and thermooxidative degradation of PEG and fabric used in the investigations might take place at higher curing temperatures. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.