Discrete molecular weight strategy modulates hydrogen bonding‐induced crystallization and chain orientation for melt‐spun high‐strength polyamide fibers

Abstract

Hydrogen bonding is the prerequisite for polyamide fibers to have better stress–strain behavior. It affects the crystal structure of polyamide fibers, such as orientation and periodic arrangement. To illustrate the effect of intermolecular hydrogen bonding on fiber orientation structure and macroscopic mechanical properties, this work uses conventional polyamide resin doped with high molecular weight components to construct polymer compounds with discrete distribution characteristics. By analyzing the changes in intermolecular hydrogen bonds, melt rheological properties, non‐isothermal crystallization behaviors, the impact of hydrogen bonds on the crystal structure and orientation structure and thus on the fiber strength was clarified. The doping of high molecular weight components can make the compound form more hydrogen bonds and inhibit the relaxation of molecular chains through entanglement, thereby promoting melt non‐isothermal crystallization process and increasing complex viscosity η* and storage mode G'. 1D and 2D wide‐angle and small‐angle X‐ray scattering show that doping components reduce crystal size of α1(200) and α2(002, 202) planes from 4.19 to 3.47 nm and 5.88 to 4.96 nm, resulting in a denser long‐period structure. Through the strategy of this work, polyamide 6 fibers' tensile strength is effectively improved by18%, and the mechanical properties are significantly improved.Highlights High‐strength polyamide compound fibers were prepared. Discretely distributed compounds are achieved. Discretely distributed molecular weight enabled hydrogen bonding regulation. Hydrogen bonding‐induced compound fiber crystal structure. Multiple external fields induced crystallization and orientation structures.