Influence of Spinning Temperature and Filler Content on the Properties of Melt-Spun Soy Flour/Polypropylene Fibers

Abstract

Polypropylene (PP) fibers are heavily used in disposable nonwovens fabrics because of their desirable properties and low-cost, but they are not biodegradable. With the goal of reducing non-biodegradable plastic waste in the environment, the primary aim of this study was to produce fibers with reduced content of PP for disposable fabrics by incorporating soy flour, a bio-based renewable material. An optimum processing temperature of 190 °C was established, and thin fibers with a diameter under 60 µm were successfully melt-spun. Inclusion of compatibilized soy (SFM) at 30 wt% resulted in fibers with a tensile modulus of 674 ± 245 MPa and a yield strength of 18 ± 4 MPa. At 15 wt% SFM, fiber tensile modulus and yield strength were 914 ± 164 and 29 ± 3, respectively. Although lower than those of neat PP fibers (1224 ± 136 MPa and 37 ± 3 MPa), these SFM/PP fiber properties are suitable for nonwoven applications. Additionally, partial presence of soy particulates on fiber surface imparted enhanced water absorption and colorability properties to the fibers while imparting the fibers the feel of natural fibers.Although more difficult to produce, soy-PP fibers possessed similar properties as compared to those of than soy-PE fibers reported in earlier studies.

Effect of Spinning Parameters on Pla/PPC/Curcumin Microfiber Diameter: an Investigation via Response Surface Methodology

“…It is postulated that such surface condition occurred due to the partial dispersion of curcumin particles in the PLA/PPC blend. A similar textured or bead-like surface effect was also obtained for melt-spun fibers from the polypropylene/soy particle blend [51] and the polypropylene/talc blend [52]. Contrary to the perception that such textured surface is undesirable, this bead-like surface is actually a unique feature because it imitates the tactile feel of the irregular cross-section and highly crenulated structure of natural fibers such as those found in cotton [51].…”

Face Masks in the New COVID-19 Normal: Materials, Testing, and Perspectives

“…The filter membrane exhibited a high efficiency of 99.3% and compared to a 3M respirator, still exhibits a 15% improvement in quality factor after 6 hours of filtration time [ 343 ]. Guzdemir and Ogale recently reported producing fibres with reduced content of PP for disposable fabrics by incorporating bio-based renewable material, soy flour, where thin fibres with a diameter under 60 μ m can be successfully melt-spun [ 344 ]. It was found that the presence of soy particulates on fibre surface enhanced its water absorption and colourability properties while retaining the feel of natural fibres.…”

Development of Eco-Friendly Soy Protein Fiber: A Comprehensive Critical Review and Prospects

“…Compounding soy flour with petroleum-based thermoplastic polymers like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is another strategy to melt spin soy-based fibers [124,125]. Soy flour, containing 53% protein and up to 30% carbohydrate, is a cost-effective alternative to SPI and SPC [56,124].…”

“…Compounding soy flour with petroleum-based thermoplastic polymers like polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is another strategy to melt spin soy-based fibers [124,125]. Soy flour, containing 53% protein and up to 30% carbohydrate, is a cost-effective alternative to SPI and SPC [56,124]. However, poor interfacial adhesion between hydrophilic soy flour and nonpolar thermoplastic polymers leads to soy flour agglomeration, high melt viscosity, and interphase discontinuities.…”