Abstract
AbstractThe thermal properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) conventional fibers and microfibers are measured and compared to bulk samples. It is shown that the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the fibers can be monitored with modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC). The Tg region is about 30°C wide and shifted to approximately 110°C for conventional as well as for micro‐PET fibers. The Tg of these fibers is compared to the Tg of cold‐crystallized bulk samples. Upon crystallization, a shift and even a split up of Tg is observed. The second Tg is much broader and is situated around 90°C. This Tg is related to the appearance of a rigid amorphous phase. In comparison, the mobility of the amorphous phase in fibers is even more restricted. The whole multiple melting profile observed on the fibers is the result of a continuous melting and recrystallization process, in contrast to bulk PET. The heat‐set temperature is shown to trigger the start of melting and recrystallization. It is seen in the MDSC as an exotherm in the nonreversing signal and an excess contribution in the heat‐capacity signal. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 3840–3849, 2003
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