Microstructure and Performance Study of PETMF/WPU Composites Prepared by Water‐Soluble Method

Abstract

AbstractCurrently, waterborne polyurethane (WPU)/polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microfiber composites are typically produced using PET/alkali‐soluble polyethylene terebenzoate (COPET) as the island fiber. This involves dissolving COPET with alkali (NaOH) after WPU impregnation, resulting in significant alkali‐containing wastewater and weakening the composites’ strength due to the strong alkali treatment. To address these issues, this study employs PET/PVA island fiber as the raw material, comprising 36 islands. PET serves as the water‐insoluble component, while PVA is the water‐soluble component, with a fiber ratio of 70 % PET to 30 % PVA. The PET/WPU microfiber composites are prepared via a water‐soluble method following WPU impregnation. The study examines the impact of water deweighting time, WPU impregnation amount, and water washing times on the deweighting rate of the composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterized their microstructure. Findings indicate that with 30 % WPU impregnation, 80 °C water temperature, 40‐minute deweighting time, and three water washes, the deweighting rate of PET/WPU microfiber composites reaches 29.08 %, close to 30 %. SEM analysis confirms that PET/PVA island fiber composites were fully converted into PET/WPU microfiber composites, with most PET/PVA island fibers completely opened. The water‐soluble method presents a novel deweighting technology with significant environmental benefits and considerable research potential.