Introducing the grafted poly(acrylic acid-co-butyl acrylate) branches onto biological corn starch macromolecule for imparting it with superior sizing properties

The objective of this study was to survey the influence of poly(acrylic acid -co-butyl acrylate) [P(AA-co-BA)] branches on the sizing properties (i.e., paste stability, adhesion, properties of film and sized warps) of biological macromolecule (corn starch) for further promoting the properties of bromoisobutyryl esterified starch (BBES) and developing a new biobased sizing agent [BBES-g-P(AA-co-BA)]. The sizing properties of BBES-g-P(AA-co-BA) were estimated in comparison with acid-hydrolyzed starch (AHS) and BBES. Compared with the two starches, BBES-g-P(AA-co-BA) displayed higher paste stability, bonding forces to both polyester and polyester/cotton roving, film elongation and water solubility, as well as lower film strength. And the increased grafting ratio exhibited positive effects on these properties of BBES-g-P(AA-co-BA). The properties containing increase in strength, loss in extension, abrasion resistance and hairiness of polyester and polyester/cotton blended yarns sized with BBES-g-P(AA-co-BA), were superior to those sized with AHS and BBES, respectively, indicating that the incorporation of P(AA-co-BA) branches onto BBES could further promote the sizing qualities of both yarns. The BBES-g-P(AA-co-BA) with a grafting ratio of 16.51 % was concluded to size both yarns for improvement of yarn quality.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effect of P(AA-co-BA) branches on the sizing properties of bromoisobutyryl esterified starch (BBES) and developed a new biobased sizing agent. The results showed that BBES-g-P(AA-co-BA) had improved paste stability, bonding forces, film properties, and water solubility compared to acid-hydrolyzed starch (AHS) and BBES. The incorporation of P(AA-co-BA) branches further enhanced the sizing qualities of polyester and polyester/cotton blended yarns.