SOLID-STATE POLYMERIZATION VIS-A-VIS FIBER FORMATION OF STEP-GROWTH POLYMERS .1. RESULTS FROM A STUDY OF NYLON-66

This study is directed toward synergistic integration of processing of nylon 66 fibers with solid-state polymerization. The following two go als are sought through the incorporation of solid-state polymerization after the initial shaping operation: eliminating some of the processi ng problems in the production of high molecular weight, high performan ce industrial fibers and attainment of improved mechanical properties via high molecular weight. Successful solid-state polymerization has b een achieved with as-spun fibers of nylon 66 and molecular weights up to 280,000 g/mol have been obtained from a starting molecular weight o f 40,000 g/mol. It is shown that much of the ductility of the starting fiber can be retained, or even enhanced, with solid-state polymerizat ion. Simulated drawing experiments using a thermal deformation analysi s technique show an increase in the drawing potential of the solid-sta te polymerized fiber as compared to the starting material. This has im portant implications regarding the ultimate properties that can be ach ieved in fibers of condensation polymers. (C) 1994 John Wiley and Sons , Inc.