Melt spinning of thermoplastic polyurethane - Solvent-free alternative to conventional solution spinning process

Polyurethanes are a class of elastic copolymers, which are known for their high elongation and very good elastic properties. Polyurethanes as polymer are available in variable hardness grades, which make them suitable for a long range of applications i.e. packaging, sealing, coating, textile applications etc. Elongation and elasticity are regarded as important properties of textiles as these properties play an important role in the wear comfort and shape retention of the textiles. According to a study, 80% of clothing contains elastic filaments in variable proportion. This makes the use of elastic filaments unavoidable in the apparel industry. This article gives an overview of polyurethane properties, filament production processes and recent advancements in the melt spinning process. © 2019 Deutscher Fachverlag GmbH. All rights reserved.