Investigation of mechanical properties of polyethylene terephthalate (Pet) yarns having ultraviolet resistant properties after outdoor weathering tests

The aim of this thesis is to compare mechanical properties of conventional and ultraviolet (UV) resistant polyethylene terephthalate (PET) yarns after outdoor weathering tests. Yarn and fabric samples were used in the experimental studies. Conventional and UV resistant PET yarn and fabric samples were exposured accelerated weathering tests under laboratory conditions on a specific device. During the weathering tests, tensile strength, elongation values, yellowing properties and color changes of the samples were measured periodically and changes in these values were recorded. Also, the equivalent value of 1000-hour weathering in an artificial test instrument simulating outdoor weathering conditions to natural exposure was calculated. When the results of experimental studies belonging to the yarn and fabric samples after outdoor weathering tests were evaluated, UV resistant PET yarn and fabric samples showed higher tensile strength and elongation values than the conventional ones, while conventional yarn and fabric samples had over almost %70 tensile strength and elongation loss compared to the initial level. This thesis was especially structured to be a useful resource, considering the limited literature about the outdoor performance evaluation of textile materials, especially PET yarns.