Characterizing Spin Finish Layers on Polypropylene Fiber Surfaces by Means of Scanning Force Microscopy Techniques

Abstract

For a better understanding of the structure, distribution, and composition of spin finish layers on fiber surfaces, scanning force microscopy techniques are used to image spin finish layers on polypropylene fiber surfaces with submicrometer resolution. The polypropylene staple fibers are made into nonwovens, and common antistatic, wetting, and hydrophobizing agents are the spin finishes. Distribution and thickness profiles of the wax-like antistatic and hydrophobizing agents are successfully measured with con tact mode atomic force microscopy and lateral force microscopy. Nanometer scale measurements of local adhesion forces and elastic moduli of the spin finish layer sur faces by force modulation techniques (pulsed force mode) provide further information on the distribution and composition of the spin finish layers. In addition, the oil-like wetting agent layer, which is too soft and sticky for contact mode measurements, can be imaged with the pulsed force mode technique.