Mechanically tunable dual-component polyolefin fiber mats via two-dimensional multilayer coextrusion. (26th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lenart, William R.; Jang, Keon-Soo; Jordan, Alex M.; Baer, Eric; Korley, LaShanda T.J.
• Is Part Of: Polymer. Volume 103(2016)
• Page Start: 328
• Page End: 336
• Publication Date: 2016-10-26
• Subjects: Fiber processing -- Mechanics -- X-ray; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2016.09.060
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3861

Abstract

Abstract: Recently developed two-dimensional multilayer coextrusion and post-process drawing were combined to fabricate polyolefin composites with independently tunable size (9 μm width × 3 μm thickness to 5 μm width × 0.9 μm thickness) and mechanics (e.g. modulus from 1340 to 2010 MPa). Post-process drawing of the composite studied via in situ synchrotron WAXS and SAXS imparted higher crystallinity and more uniform and aligned crystallites ( f H, PP = 0.93 and f H, HDPE = 0.90) resulting in an improved modulus, while also increasing and narrowing the melting temperature. After drawing, the composites were simultaneously delaminated and consolidated using a high pressure water jet to produce dual-component fiber mats with high specific surface area, which was related to the fiber size and rectangular cross-section unique to this process. The tunability of the HDPE and PP fibers produced via this process hold distinct advantages over solvent-based techniques, such as electrospinning, for many high performance applications. Graphical abstract: Highlights: In situ production of dual component fiber mats. Melt-based manufacturing of micro- and nano-scale HDPE/PP fibers. Tunable fiber dimensions, specific surface area, and mechanics achieved.