Optimization of Mechanical and Thermal Properties of iPP and LMPP Blend Fibres by Surface Response Methodology

Abstract

Optimization of the mechanical and thermal properties of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) homopolymer blended with relatively new low molecular low modulus polypropylene (LMPP) at different blend ratios was carried out via surface response methodology (RSM). Regression equations for the prediction of optimal conditions were achieved considering eight individual parameters: naming, elongation at break, tensile strength and elastic modulus, crystallization temperature (TC), first melting temperatures (TM1), heat fusion (Hf), crystallinity, and melt flow rate (MFR), which were measured as responses for the design of experiment (DOE). The adjusted and predicted correlation coefficient (R2) shows good agreement between the actual and the predicted values. To confirm the optimal values from the response model, supplementary experiments as a performance evaluation were conducted, posing better operational conditions. It has been confirmed that the RSM model was adequate to reflect the predicted optimization. The results suggest that the addition of LMPP into iPP could effectively enhance the functionality and processability of blend fibres if correctly proportioned.

Detailed analysis on thermal, microstructural, mechanical, and morphological features of side chain liquid crystalline polymer/isotactic polypropylene graft copolymers: Effect of grafted and ungrafted polymer units

“…Despite of these charming properties, there existed some unfavorable sides of IPP such as brittleness at low temperatures, low-impact toughness lack of reactive site, low-mechanical endurance, low -hydrophobic character, sticking problem, photo oxidation sensitivity, dye uptake, and so forth. 3 Thus, the researchers have focused on the improving of these properties of the IPP in order to get rid of theses drawbacks with the aid of the certain modifications techniques. [4][5][6] Therein, especially, the graft copolymerization method plays a significant role due to the enabling to modify the grafted units by changing the functional groups in their molecular backbone.…”

“…Among the many types of PP, depending on the tacticity, isotactic propylene (IPP) had prior characteristics features such as relatively more ordered structure, higher melting point, and larger degree of crystallinity, which makes it more preferable to be imparted the desired superior features with the physical or chemical modification. Despite of these charming properties, there existed some unfavorable sides of IPP such as brittleness at low temperatures, low‐impact toughness lack of reactive site, low‐mechanical endurance, low ‐hydrophobic character, sticking problem, photo oxidation sensitivity, dye uptake, and so forth 3 . Thus, the researchers have focused on the improving of these properties of the IPP in order to get rid of theses drawbacks with the aid of the certain modifications techniques 4–6 .…”

Mechanical and Static Stab Resistant Properties of Hybrid-Fabric Fibrous Planks: Manufacturing Process of Nonwoven Fabrics Made of Recycled Fibers

“…The LMPET fibers are melted to form thermal bonding points in the high strength PET matrices as a result of hot pressing. The thermal bonding points primarily stabilize the fabric structure and restrain the slip of fibers, which is proven by the results of tensile elongation of the matrices [22,23]. However, the thermal bonding points have a lower strength than single fiber strength of high strength PET fibers, and employment of hot pressing can hardly affect the tensile strength of the matrices.…”

Electrospun Fibres with Hyaluronic Acid-Chitosan Nanoparticles Produced by a Portable Device

“…Conventional statistical experimental design helps determine the optimal conditions based on measured values of the characteristic properties [ 41 ], while other statistical design models, such as Taguchi, aim to identify optimal conditions by looking at the least variability [ 40 , 41 ]. In particular, formulation optimisation has been done using response surface methodology (RSM), where the mechanical and thermal properties of a polymer were optimised from different blend ratios [ 42 ]. Similar strategies could be implemented in further research.…”