Effects of Ionizing Radiation on the Physicochemical Properties of Polyester Multifilaments

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), known nationally as Polyester (PES), is the most used fiber in the textile sector and stands out compared to natural fibers and other synthetic fibers due to its constant rise in production and consumption. In the search for sustainability in the textile industry, ionizing radiation presents itself as an environmentally correct process for modifying the properties of polyester fiber, through the formation of reactive species. This work aims to analyze the influence of ionizing radiation on the physicochemical properties of PES microfiber textile multifilaments. The samples were analyzed for toughness and elongation resistance, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The Cobalt-60 gamma irradiation process was effective in altering the properties of the microfiber multifilament analyzed, thus exposing important information on the effects of radiation applied to the polyester textile microfiber to adapt it to the demands of the end consumer.