A Comparison between the thermomechanical and structural changes in textured PET yarns after superheated steam and dry heat treatment

PET yarns textured at different texturing conditions were treated with superheated steam or dry heat at different temperatures for different times. The effects of the treatment conditions on the thermomechanical and structural changes of the yarn were examined by shrinkage, X-ray diffraction and birefringence measurements. With increase in superheated steam temperature, the crystalline orientation factor and birefringence decreased, whereas crystal size increased. Dry heat treatment had a smaller effect on shrinkage and structural properties in comparison with superheated steam treatment. The additional shrinkage after texturing process was investigated. The effect of heat-setting in both media was more significant at 200°C. The time dependence of the properties was not linear.