Meltblown Fabrics from Biodegradable Polymers

Abstract

This paper describes the processing of biodegradable polymers in the meltblowing process. The processing of such materials is still in the development stages as their rheological behavior gives a strong restriction for such applications. Meltblowing experiments were carried out with different polymers, including polylactide, polyesteramide, polyvinylalcohol, cellulosediacetate and polycaprolactone/thermoplastic starch. The process of meltblowing requires lower molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution resins to produce uniform, fine-fiber webs. The polymer distribution is inversely proportional to the melt flow rate and directly related to the melt viscosity. The processing conditions and general observations will be explained. The physical properties and parameters such as fiber diameter, fiber diameter distribution and stress-strain properties of the webs were measured. Also, microscopical analysis of the meltblown fabric will be shown. These tests give first hints for the processability of such materials with the meltblown process.