Synthesis of hydrophilic copolyesters and the characterization of their moisture-related cooling properties

A series of copolyesters (Co-PETs) containing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), 5-sodiumsulfodimethyl isophthalate (DMS), and dimethyl isophthalate (DMI) were synthesized via the conventional two-step melt-polycondensation method. The synthesized Co-PETs were characterized by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The DSC results showed that the melting temperature (T _m) and the heats of fusion (ΔH _m) of Co-PETs decreased with increasing the DMS content in Co-PET, while the inclusion of PEG did not affect their thermal properties significantly. The water absorption and the water contact angle of the Co-PET films were found to be significantly affected by the DMS content rather than PEG content. The moisture-related cooling properties of the fabric samples made of Co-PET 5 as well as PET were evaluated by using liquid moisture management tester (MMT) and Q _max measurements. The MMT and Q _max results indicated that Co-PET 5 fabric containing DMS 1.0 mol% and PEG 10.0 wt% in Co-PET seemed to be a good candidate for the fabric having durable cooling effects.