An Eco-friendly Surface Modification Method of Para-Aramid by Supercritical CO2

The structures and properties of para-aramid yarn were investigated under different treatment temperatures from 80 degrees C to 200 degrees C with supercritical CO2 and air, respectively, which were observed by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Dynamic wetting measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Thermogravimetric instrument (TG). It is confirmed that the surface morphology of para-aramid yarn was changed remarkably with the supercritical CO2 treatment temperature increasing compared to untreated yarn and treated with air, and the oligomers and disaggregates of yarn were migrated to the yarn surface. Furthermore, the water contact angle of paraaramid was reduced significantly from 136.22 degrees to 91.37 degrees with supercritical CO2 treatment at 200 degrees C, and the wettability was improved. Overall, supercritical CO2 modification for para-aramid has been proved to be feasible.

Automated summary

This study investigated the structures an properties of para-aramid yarn under different treatment temperatures using supercritical CO2 and air. It was found that supercritical CO2 treatment could significantly change the surface morphology of para-aramid yarn and improve its wettability.