Hydrolytic and Aquatic Degradation Testing
topic
Hydrolytic degradation testing immerses fabric specimens in aqueous solutions of defined pH, temperature, and ionic strength for extended periods, measuring molecular weight reduction by GPC, tensile strength retention, and mass loss as indicators of ester and amide bond hydrolysis rates in polyester, polyamide, and cellulosic textile substrates.
Role
Predicts the aquatic service life of geotextiles in marine and freshwater environments, pool filter textiles, and medical implant fibres where prolonged water exposure at physiological or environmental pH governs polymer chain scission rates and ultimate load-bearing capacity loss.