Sulfonation of Polyethylene Improves Functionality for Fabricating Technical Textiles

• Main Authors: Mohib Reza, Kazimi, C. K. M., Faizal, Saidatul Shima, Jamari, Tahir, Shah, Mumtaz D., Naqvi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Society of Plastics Engineers 2014
• Subjects: T Technology (General)
• Online Access: http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/6164/1/Sulfonation_of_polyethylene_improves_functionality_for_fabricating_technical_textiles.pdf; http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/6164/; http://www.4spepro.org/view.php?article=005306-2014-02-11&category=Conductive+Polymers

Incorporating conductive nanofibers into a polymer composite, so that it carries electrical signals and possesses hydrophilic properties similar to nylon and polyester, is a promising and potentially economically viable approach to new textiles. The matrix material will still constitute more than 90% of such a composite system. Thus it is very important for the matrix to interact with the fillers in order to augment the desired functional properties. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) possesses good mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties, well suited to making products. However, its low surface energy values are problematic for making a product with hydrophilic and electrical properties. Introducing functional group moieties could not only make the polymer more hydrophilic and conductive, it could also make LDPE more receptive to nanofillers.