Functional Modification of Kevlar Fabric With Epichlorohydrin and Sodium Lignin Sulfonate for Enhanced Cationic Dyeability and <scp>UV</scp> Resistance

ABSTRACT Aramid fibers have a high degree of crystallinity and compact molecular structure, making them difficult to dye and prone to degradation from UV radiation. This research introduces a method for surface modification aimed at improving the dye uptake and ultraviolet resistance of Kevlar fabric while maintaining its mechanical integrity. The procedure involves the covalent grafting of sodium lignin sulfonate onto Kevlar, utilizing epichlorohydrin as a crosslinking agent, followed by dyeing with the cationic dye. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in dye uptake, a strong red hue, and a maximum K/S value of 22.645, confirming high color strength and UV resistance, with minimal impact on tensile strength. Moreover, a reduction in radical concentration (25%) was observed in treated Kevlar after 7 days of sunlight exposure. These findings demonstrate an effective route to achieve dyeable and UV‐resistant aramid textiles.