Microfiber formation: Immiscible polymer blends involving thermoplastic poly(vinyl alcohol) as an extractable matrix

Abstract

AbstractThe utilization of polymer‐blend technology to prepare microfibers via extraction of one of the components is known technology. Achieving fibrillation (microfiber formation) is not an a priori consequence of polymer blends exposed to a shear or elongational flow field. The viscosity ratio, concentration ratio, interfacial tension, and second normal stress function have all been noted to be important factors in achieving fibrillation in polymer blends. It has been found that thermoplastic poly(vinyl alcohol) is particularly effective in this technology, yielding fibrillated systems that can be easily extracted to yield microfibers (0.1–5 μ diameter). Thermoplastic poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) offers cold‐water solubility, biodegradability, and fibrillation characteristics with many commodity polymers (polyolefins, polystyrene, scrap mixtures), thus offering advantages over previously investigated extractable polymers. In addition, the resultant microfibers via this process can be pulped and handled in paper‐making processes. The process for microfiber formation, the process variables, the polymers applicable to the formation of microfibers using PVOH as an extractable matrix, and the properties of the resultant microfibers are discussed with emphasis on the characterization of the microfibers as a fibrous thixotrope additive. Potential utility of the microfibers via this process include polymeric paper and admixtures with cellulosic‐based pulp, oil‐ or water‐adsorbent mats, fibrous thixotrope additives, filters, filler rentention and pitch control in paper applications, and ultralow denier fibers. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.