Preparation and characterisation of polyvinyl alcohol/nano-SiO2 composite fibre with high initial modulus

Abstract

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/nano-SiO2 composite fibre with a high initial modulus was prepared using dry jet wet spinning. It was found that the SiO2 nano-clusters could be dispersed uniformly in the PVA/dimethyl sulfoxide system using ultrasonic vibration during the swelling and dissolving process. The PVA/nano-SiO2 composite fibre obtained was then suitable for spinning, coagulating and drawing. The properties of the composite fibre were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and tensile strength testing. According to the results, the PVA/nano-SiO2 composite fibre with 14·0 cN/dtex tensile strength, 202 cN/dtex initial modulus and a degree of crystallinity of 62·5% could be obtained when 4 wt-% nano-SiO2 was added. The improved initial modulus of the PVA/nano-SiO2 composite fibre would mean that it could be used in many more applications and it may take the place of many high performance fibres in certain fields, especially in the field of reinforcement materials.