Emulsions of cross-linked polyacrylic ester for quick-drying yarn sizing

Drying of the warp sizing in yarn preparation is an extremely energy-consuming process in yarn preparation, herein, a cross-linked polyacrylate sizing with remarkable quick-drying characteristic was synthesized via emulsion polymerization to address this problem. The molecular structure, dissolving state and film forming characteristics of polyacrylate were investigated compared with starch and poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) sizing agent. Different from starch and PVA in which the molecular chain is fully extended in aqueous solution, the drying rate of polyacrylate in the form of emulsion particles shows significantly faster. The drying rate of polyacrylate emulsion agent (PEA) can be further enhanced via cross-linked by glycidyl methacrylate which will not sacrifice other sizing properties. Taking into account of the low temperature solubility, quick-drying property as well as its excellent sizing characteristics, the prepared cross-linked PEA possessed a broad application prospect in quick-drying yarn sizing field.