The effect of a liquid isothermal bath in the threadline on the structure and properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers

Abstract

AbstractThe process of melt‐spinning poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) filament at high speeds was modified through the inclusion of a liquid isothermal bath (LIB) in the spinline. A wide range of positions, temperatures, and depths associated with the operation of the LIB were utilized in this study. The structural characteristics and mechanical properties of the as‐spun fibers were characterized by birefringence, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), infrared spectroscopy, and tensile testing. Experimental results showed that the structure and mechanical properties of the as‐spun fibers were significantly influenced by the LIB operating conditions. The as‐spun fibers prepared under optimum LIB conditions exhibit high birefringence and excellent mechanical properties. Results suggest the development of a critical value of threadline stress that is determined primarily by LIB depth and take‐up velocity. Below this critical value, raising of LIB temperature, LIB depth, and take‐up velocity resulted in increases of the apparent crystallite size, sample crystallinity, and both the crystalline and amorphous orientation. As would be expected, the mechanical properties of the fiber samples were improved in a corresponding manner. Above this critical stress value, molecular chains in the amorphous phase are stretched tautly, but the crystal growth process is restricted, resulting in a decrease in crystallite size and crystallinity, as well as a continued increase in mechanical properties. The fiber properties were also found to be very responsive to the relative location of the LIB. A unique structure, believed never before obtained in a one‐step high‐speed PET melt‐spinning process, has been achieved that combines high amorphous orientation, low crystallinity, and high tenacity. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.