Effect of Azo Dyes on the Thermal Degradation of Post-consumer Polyester Fabrics

Thermogravimetric analysis(TGA) and pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) investigations were carried out on the thermal degradation of white and red post-consumer polyester fabrics. The results show that red PET fabrics which was dyed with C.I. Disperse red 167 for its typical azo structure exhibits larger activation energy compared with white PET. The addition of azo dyes displays an inhibiting effect on the deep pyrolysis and the formation of biphenyl and bis(2-hydroxybutyl) terephthalate produced by the free radical mechanism.