Abstract
Melt spinning of cross-shaped polypropylene (PP) and poly (lactic acid) (PLA) fibers was conducted to investigate influences of polymer properties and processing conditions on cross-sectional shape change in fibers. PP fibers possessed cross-shaped profile, resembling that of the original spinneret orifice, with dull edges due to die swell. Their shape factor (SF) values (1.4–1.6) were close to that of the spinneret orifice (1.7), indicating that the complex shape of the orifice could be maintained. High melt viscosity of PP, as well as its rapid crystallization, helped preventing shape change induced by surface tension. PLA fibers, on the other hand, exhibited shape change from cross to square and to round shape when spinning temperature was increased from 200 to 220 and 240 °C, respectively. Their SF values (1.1–1.2) were close to unity, indicating shape change towards circular shape. Shape deviation towards circular shape in PLA fibers was mainly driven by surface tension. Slow crystallization in PLA allowed great influence of surface tension in determining shape change of the extrudate. Increasing fiber take up speed tended to decrease SF value. Such effect was small compared to that of spinning temperature.
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