Effect of electron irradiation on dye and printability of polypropylene (PP) fabrics: a novel method for decoration of PP fabrics

Polypropylene (PP) has a very low value of the surface free energy (approximately 20-25 mJ m-2). And thus, has very weak hydrophilic properties and doesn't have any affinity to any dyestuffs, such as cationic or anionic dyes. In this study, we covered some parts of PP fabrics by mask, and then irradiated them by electrons with different energies. After electron irradiation, the samples were dyed by cationic dyestuff. The result showed that, electron irradiated parts could be dyed easily and the fabric could be printed and decorated simply. The treated surfaces were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), reflective spectrophotometery, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Also, light and wash fastnesses of printed samples were measured. The results are reported.