Nanoclay reinforced fibers and nonwovens

Abstract

There is a continuing effort to take advantage of recent advances in nanotechnology, in the textile industry. Nanoclay is one of the most affordable materials that has shown promising results in polymers. A study was conducted to produce polypropylene fibers and nonwovens with the commercial samples of nanoclay additives. The DSC data showed some change in crystallinity and melting behavior although no definite trend in crystallinity was observed. However, there is a substantial increase in tensile strength and modulus of the fibers when nanoclay additives are used. This increase in strength is not accompanied by a decrease in breaking elongation. Furthermore there is improvement in other performance properties of the spunbond nonwovens. The main advantage of this process is that these fabrics can be produced without any need for change in the processing equipment or processing conditions.