Manufacturing and characterization of nanoclay-modified polypropylene fibers

In this research project, PP with 1 %, 2% and 3% nanoclay, and 0.75%, 1.5% and 2.25% PP-g-MA was spun to fibers using high process speeds. The following evaluations revealed that the incorporation of nanoparticles can increase the strain in comparison to pure-PP fibers. In addition to the mechanical analysis, the crystallization and the formation of the fiber structure was evaluated. It was shown that the nanoparticles have a clear impact on the formation of the crystals and the alignment of the macromolecules. Also, it was revealed that the nanoday is aligned in the fiber direction in the spinning process and no further drawing is needed for this alignment.