Characterization of Fibers Produced from Blends of Polybutylene and Polypropylene

Abstract

Blends of polybutylene (PB-1) and polypropylene were used to produce fibers at spinning speeds of 800–2100 m/min. Concentrations ranged from 0% PP to 100% PP. The stress-strain behavior of the resultant fibers was examined, and the fibers were analyzed for crystallinity via DSC (differential scanning calorimetry). Fibers produced from blends of PB-1/PP show mechanical properties that are in between the properties of the pure polymers. The tensile strength of 50% PB-1 fibers is comparable to the tensile strength of pure PP fibers. Fibers produced from blend compositions of 25 and 75% have higher tensile strengths than pure PP fibers, although these blend compositions have lower tensile strengths than pure PB fibers.