Photodegradation Performance and Evaluation Methods of Non-Durable Non-Woven Fabrics
Samples of polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET) and polylactide (PLA) non-woven fabrics were exposed to carbon arc light in a covered chamber at 65°C and 50% relative humidity for different times. In order to determine state of degradation, samples were examined by Tensile Properties, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy and Differential Scanning Calovimotry (DSC) curves, and then were evaluated by retention rate of Tensile strength and Elongation , appearence changes on fabric and fiber, infrared spectra and melting point changes. Its observed that PP is more vulnerable to photodegradate than PET and PLA non-woven fabrics. Photosensitizer is crucial for samples photodegradation. Mechanical properties are used to examine photodegradation for PP, PET, PLA, and melting point changes could evaluate photodegradation for PP, PET. SEM observation can make qualitative evaluation, and Transform Infrared Spectroscopy might evaluate photodegradation for PP.