On the development of uniaxially‐oriented PET tapes for weaving, woven tape fabrics, and their applications

Abstract

This article reports the development of weavable, uniaxially‐oriented PET tape, and woven‐tape fabric. Fabric from uniaxially‐oriented polypropylene (PP) tape has been commercially produced since the 1960s, and it is the dominant material for flexible industrial packaging, carpet backing, geotextiles and self‐reinforced composites. Attempts had been made over the same period to produce similar poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) tape fabric, knowing that it would offer superior performance over PP due to PET's higher stiffness and strength, lower creep, abrasion resistance, and higher temperature capability. However, these attempts could not be translated into industrial production because the PET tapes had a tendency to splinter when subjected to sudden pulls and twists in the weaving loom. This was solved here by blending polymeric additives such as 2% polycarbonate (PC) and 2% linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE). Transmission electron microscopy of the oriented tapes showed the 2% PC formed a profusion of nano ellipsoids that adhered well to the PET matrix, and these prevented axial cracks from running through in a brittle manner. The LLDPE formed larger domains with poorer adhesion, but it imparted resistance to splitting from twists and axial folding. The combination of PC and polyolefin imparted a synergistic toughening of the tape. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E120–E132, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers