Simple model to predict the effect of take-up pressure on fibre diameter of PET melt spinning

A simplified mathematical model was given based on the actual experimental data from a laboratory-scale poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) melt spinning. PET fibres were produced using three virgin and two recycled PET materials at two different processing temperatures of 270 °C and 280 °C. Filament emerging from a spinneret was drawn by high-velocity air moving through an aspirator, where six take-up pressures were used. It was proved that the model with only two adjustable parameters could effectively predict the variation of PET fibre diameter as a function of take-up pressure, and one of the parameters could be estimated using the zero shear viscosity of materials. [Display omitted] •A simple model is proposed, effectively predicting the PET fibre diameter versus take-up pressure in melt spinning.•Based on huge amounts of experimental data from five PET materials at two processing temperatures and six take-up pressures.•Only two adjustable parameters in this model.•One parameter can be estimated using the zero shear viscosity of materials.