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Development and characterization of poly(trimethylene terephthalate)‐based bicomponent meltblown nonwovens
Author(s) -
Zhang Dong,
Sun Christine,
Beard John,
Brown Houston,
Carson Ian,
Hwo Charles
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.2295
Subject(s) - materials science , differential scanning calorimetry , composite material , thermodynamics , physics
Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT)‐based mono and bico meltblown webs have been produced by using a Reicofil® Bi‐Component Meltblown Line at TANDEC, located at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. Thermal and flow properties of PTT were first examined by DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) and with a Melt Indexer for an effective experimental design through the Surface Response Methodology (SRM). The processability of meltblowing in a wide range of operating windows was extensively investigated. Melt temperature, melt throughput, air temperature, airflow rate, and DCD (distance of collector to die) were considered as primary process control variables. The produced webs were characterized for fiber diameter, bulk density, air permeability, hydrostatic head, tensile properties, and heat shrinkage. Non‐round and curly or twisted fibers were observed in the bico PP/PTT webs by SEM (scanning electrical microscope). The PTT grade studied is quite suitable for the meltblown process. The PTT/PP‐based bico webs showed enhanced barrier properties and heat resistance. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 1280–1287, 2002