Production And Structure/Properties Of Nylon-6 Core / Isotactic Polypropylene Sheath Bicomponent Fibers Suitable For Use In Carpeting Applications

Bicomponent fibers consisting of nylon-6 and isotactic polypropylene were produced. In-situ, reactive compatibilization was achieved using a maleic anhydride functionalized polypropylene between the materials at the interface. The overall goal of the research was to produce a bicomponent fiber of these materials that would be suitable for use in commercial carpet applications. Carpet samples produced using nylon-6 core / polypropylene sheath bicomponent fibers displayed stain resistance comparable to a wholly polypropylene carpet. The wear characteristics of these fibers were found to be strongly dependent upon the maleic anhydride content and the molecular weight of the maleic anhydride functionalized polypropylene. Adhesion between the nylon-6 and polypropylene phases, and the mechanical properties of the polypropylene phase were affected by the addition of the functionalized polypropylene. Additional information regarding the processing conditions necessary to produce fibers of the desired cross-section from these materials was obtained using capillary rheometry. A number of analytical techniques including DSC, TGA, and SEM were used to better understand the structure of the maleated materials.