Synergistic Effects of Chain Extenders, Nanoclay, and Flame Retardants on the Rheology and Dyeability of Multiple Recycled PET Fibers

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Plastics Engineering, Faculty of Polymer Processing, Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Engineering, P.O Box: 14965/115, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Textile Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology (IUT), P.O Box: 83111-84156, Isfahan, Iran

3 IUTDepartment of Textile Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology (IUT), P.O Box: 83111-84156, Isfahan, Iran

10.30509/jcst.2026.167728.1277

Abstract

This study systematically investigated the synergistic effects of a chain extender (CE), nanoclay (C30B), and a flame retardant (FR) on the properties of Multiple recycled PET (rrPET) fibers. Four formulations—virgin PET, CE-modified rrPET (CE040), FR/nanoclay-modified rrPET (FRNC4500), and a ternary blend (FRNC4510)-were prepared via melt spinning. Rheological analysis showed that CE significantly increased melt viscosity and improved spinnability, while FRNC4500 exhibited higher yield stress. Morphological studies indicated that nanoclay enhanced additive dispersion and created microstructural heterogeneities that promoted dye diffusion. Dyeing tests revealed that the ternary system FRNC4510 achieved colorimetric values and color strength (K/S) comparable to virgin PET, with a low color difference (ΔE*ab < 2) and superior color fastness. The results demonstrate that additive synergy can effectively restore, and even enhance, the dyeability of rrPET fibers, providing a viable strategy for producing high-performance recycled polyester textiles.

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Main Subjects

References

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