Structure and mechanical properties of polyethylene melt blown nonwovens

Abstract

Purpose Recently, the usage of melt blown products in many areas has increased. In melt blown process, generally polymers have been used. There are a variety of polymers. Characteristics of melt blown nonwovens have changed significantly depending on the polymer type. Also, there are several parameters such as die temperature, die-to-collector distance (DCD), air pressure, etc. that modify the nonwovens in melt blown process. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of these parameters on the characteristics of nonwovens made up of polyethylene (PE). Design/methodology/approach In the melt blown process, two die temperatures, three different die air pressures and three different DCDs were used. In total, 18 samples were produced. On produced samples, thickness, tear and tensile strengths, fiber diameter, basis weight tests were done. Also SEM observations were obtained. Findings It was observed that parameters studied have a significant effect on characteristics of the produced nonwoven. Fiber diameter, basis weight and strength decrease by depending on factors. Also, it was observed that temperature has an effect, but slight. This work shows that higher temperatures should be studied. Finer and uniform fiber diameter is obtained with an increase in air pressure. Research limitations/implications PE is becoming increasingly important in nonwovens due to its lower melting point for processing and softer feel in nonwoven products. Practical implications Although the use of PE in polymer-laid nonwovens, especially as bicomponent fibers, has been growing in recent years, there are limited data on their processability and performance. In this context, with the availability of relatively higher melt flow rate PE, understanding the processability and structure and properties of the melt blown PE is very helpful in designing and developing the right products. This research was conducted to evaluate the processability of the PE resin using a typical PP melt blowing pilot line and to determine the structure and properties of the formed webs. Originality/value PE has superior properties such as excellent chemical resistance, good fatigue, wear resistance and higher impact strength. Also, PE provides good resistance to organic solvents, degreasing agents and electrolytic attack. PE has lower working temperatures than polypropylene, is light in weight, resistant to staining and has low moisture absorption rates. Thus, this study provides important contributions to the area since there are no data reported about the effect of various processing parameters on the structure and properties of PE melt blown nonwovens.

Design of electret polypropylene melt blown air filtration material containing nucleating agent for effective PM2.5 capture

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Investigation Barrier Properties of Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Spunbond Fabrics

“…Spunbond PE has an advantages that are lightweight, easy processing, good chemical resistance, good impact strength, excellent electrical properties, good barrier properties, low water absorption, toughness, and flexibility even at extremely low temperature, safe for food contact and non-toxic for skin contact, do not require pre-drying and recyclable [5]. Also, lower working temperature is needed than polypropylene polymer and LLDPE polymer has low moisture absorption rates [6] and it gives a softer fabric [7]. This study was focused on the evaluation of barrier properties in a different weight of LLDPE spunbonded nonwovens.…”

Meltblown technology for production of polymeric microfibers/nanofibers: A review

“…It was concluded that increase in DCD or decrease in air flow rate leads to more entanglements due to more time for fiber contact/entanglement/fusion [82,83,158]. On the other hand, opposite trend was reported by Lee & Wadsworth (1990) [55] and Yesil & Bhat (2016) [76], i.e. that an increase in air flow rate or decrease in DCD promotes the fiber entanglements.…”