Ultrathin Polypropylene Fibres from Polymer Blend Melts

The physicochemical characteristics of production of ultrathin polypropylene fibres from polymer blend melts by use of specific fibre-formation are examined. The determining role of thermodynamic compatibility in fibre formation of one polymer in another is demonstrated and a method is proposed for improving it by adding special substances -- compatibilizers -- to the binary mixture. The copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate and sodium oleate are recommended as compatibilizers for PP/CPA blends. The types of specific reaction between the copolyamide macromolecules and the additives were established by IR spectroscopy. These include dipole-dipole and ion-dipole bonds that alter the rheological properties and improve the spinnability of the blend melts. Specific fibre formation for a PP/CPA ratio corresponding to the phase shift region appeared for the first time due to compatibilization. Complex fibres are obtained from polypropylene microfibres in spinning through one opening.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]