Development and application of high-strength polyester nanofibers

Abstract

We have produced the world’s first 700 nm, ultra-fine polyester nanofiber via continuous research and development using state-of-the-art nanotechnology. The proposed sea/island composite-spinning technology has improved the quality of conventional mass-produced nanofibers. Sea/island composite spinning produces high-strength polyester nanofibers using conjugated (two components) spinning theory. The separation of sea–island components is based on the different degrees of polymer dissolution in alkali solution; specifically, resolution sea polymer (modified polyester) has dissolution rates that are 1000 times faster than that of island polymer (polyester). The resulting nanofibers have a large surface area, high absorption, and good distribution and filtration effects, which are suitable for a variety of applications, including functional sportswear, inner wear, skin-care products, filters, precision grinding cloths, and so on. The new ‘Sea/Island’ composite-spinning technology has solved the problem of unstable quality associated with conventional mass-production nanofibers. ‘Sea/island’ composite spinning achieves the high-strength polyester nanofiber based on conjugated (two components) spinning theory. The separation process between sea–islands components is successful with 1000 times faster in alkali solution resolution sea polymer than island polymer. Nanofiber has a very large surface area, absorption, distribution and filtration effect, which are suitable for a variety of applications, including functional sportswear, inner wear, skin-care products, filters, precision grinding cloth, and so on.