Properties of Polymer Alloy Fibers of Polypropylene and Cationic Dyeable Poly(ethylene Terephthalate) Prepared with an in-situ Generated Compatibilizer

Abstract

We have investigated the properties of polymer alloy fibers of polypropylene (PP) and cationic dyeable poly(ethylene terephthalate) (CD-PET) made by melt spinning with an in-situ generated compatibilizer. The compatibilizer, i.e., 1,3-bisphenyloxazoline (1,3-BPO)/stearic acid reactant, is formed in a screw extruder from a 1,3-BPO/stearic acid blend by heating, and the presence of PP/CD-PET results in the simultaneous production of polymer alloy fibers. From SEM observation of the filaments' cross sections as spun, a minimum of 3 wt % compatibilizer is needed for stable polymer alloys to form from these immiscible polymers. The alloyed filaments as spun stretch easily by a drawing process and reach a length of fifteen-fold at 110°C in a normal atmosphere. These drawn, alloyed filaments have adequate tensile strength for practical use. Blending CD-PET and the compatibilizer with PP improves antistatic properties; resistivity decreases from 1013 to 108, and the half-life also decreases to less than 1 minute. The alloyed fibers can be dyed with methylene blue and rhodamine B to produce brilliantly deeply colored alloyed fibers.