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Mechanically Robust and Recyclable Cross-Linked Fibers from Melt Blown Anthracene-Functionalized Commodity Polymers
Kailong Jin1, Aditya Banerji1, David Kitto1
1Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science , University of Minnesota , Minneapolis , Minnesota 55455 , United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|March 8, 2019
Summary
Researchers developed novel cross-linked acrylic fibers using melt blowing and anthracene photodimerization. These advanced nonwoven materials offer enhanced thermal stability and recyclability, expanding applications for melt-blown products.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Nonwovens Technology
Background:
- Melt blowing is a high-throughput process for producing nonwoven fabrics, dominated by semicrystalline thermoplastics due to processing and stability requirements.
- Amorphous thermoplastics are typically unsuitable for melt blowing because they lack sufficient melt processability and thermal resistance.
- Cross-linking polymers can enhance properties but is incompatible with melt processing, requiring post-fiber formation methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a method for creating cross-linked nonwoven fibers from amorphous acrylic polymers using melt blowing.
- To investigate the use of anthracene functionalization and photodimerization for cross-linking fibers in the solid state.
- To evaluate the thermomechanical properties and recyclability of the resulting cross-linked fibers.
Main Methods:
- Melt blowing of linear anthracene-functionalized acrylic polymers to form nonwoven fibers.
- Solid-state cross-linking of the fibers via anthracene-dimerization, triggered by UV light or sunlight.
- Assessment of gel content, thermomechanical properties, and recyclability of the cross-linked fibers.
Main Results:
- Achieved nearly 100% gel content, indicating highly efficient solid-state anthracene photodimerization.
- The cross-linked acrylic fibers demonstrated enhanced thermomechanical properties, with potential for higher service temperatures (around 180 °C).
- The dynamic nature of anthracene-dimer cross-links allows for effective recycling of the fibers at elevated temperatures.
Conclusions:
- Melt-blown anthracene-functionalized acrylic fibers can be effectively cross-linked post-formation, overcoming limitations of traditional melt processing.
- The resulting cross-linked nonwovens exhibit improved thermal stability and recyclability, presenting a sustainable alternative to conventional melt-blown materials.
- This approach broadens the applicability of amorphous polymers in demanding nonwoven applications and promotes circular economy principles in the textile industry.
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