Synthesis and Characterization of Polyvinylimidazole and Investigation of its Antipilling Effect on Different Fabrics

Pilling is one of the biggest problems for all types of fabrics in textile industry. To improve pilling values of the fabrics, some methods have been reported. One of the most useful methods is chemical finishing. In this study, this method have been used. A key differentiator of this study is the fact that we synthesized the polymer employed as an anti-pilling agent ourselves and does not negatively affect the hydrophilicity and brightness parameters of fabrics, as most anti-pilling chemicals do. As an anti-pilling polymer, we have synthesized polyvinylimidazole (PVIM) and have applied this polymer to different fabrics for the aim of reducing pilling tendency of these fabrics. We have achieved nearly 1.5-2 pilling grades of improvement for different fabrics and generally obtained pilling grade: 4.5-5.0, means no pills on fabric surface. Also, it has been proven that PVIM can be used as an anti-pilling agent without negative effects on fabrics in terms of hydrophilicity, brightness and handle. To market PVIM under Rudolf-Duraner product list, we defined this polymer: EPW 18042.