Ensemble Laser Diffraction for Online Measurement of Fiber Diameter Distribution during the Melt Blowing Process

Abstract

Online measurements of the fiber diameter distribution during a melt blowing process were taken using a new laser diffraction technique. This technique measured both the attenuation of the fibers as well as entanglement of the fibers into bundles at large distances from the die. A pilot scale unit with a 20.3 cm (8 inch) slot die was used for the studies. Commercial polypropylene polymer was used. Both the spin-line attenuation and fiber bundling were measured as a function of position both below and across the die face.