PIGMENTATION OF MELT SPUN SYNTHETIC FILAMENT AND FIBER PRODUCTS.

This paper describes in some detail the coloring of polymer melts used in the production of synthetic fibers (filaments). It is demonstrated that the successful melt extrusion of a filament or fiber product depends on proper polymer stabilization, pigment, pigment dispersion and production method. The wrong pigment choice can limit a carpet to indoor use only. A poor pigment dispersion can shut down an extruder by clogging filters or by causing excessive fiber breaks. Color continuity can be maintained only by carefully controlled extrusion procedures. Above all, compatible polymer systems i. e. , base resin compatibility with color concentrate resin, are absolutely necessary before any of the other limiting factors can even come into play. These are the parameters that must be addressed before attempting to produce pigmented yarn.