Effect of compatibilizer molecular weight and maleic anhydride content on interfacial adhesion of polypropylene-PA6 bicomponent fibers

The overall goal of the current research was to produce a bicomponent fiber consisting of a isotactic polypropylene sheath and a nylon-6 core that wou ld be suitable for use in a pigmented carpeting application. To accomplish this, such bicomponent fibers were produced, and in situ reactive compatibi lization was achieved using a maleic anhydride-functionalized polypropylene (PP-MA) at the interface. Bicomponent fibers with a side-by-side configura tion were also spun as part of the investigative process. The adhesion of t he materials at the interface and, therefore, the wear characteristics of t he fibers were found to depend strongly an the molecular weight and the mal eic anhydride content of the functionalized polypropylene. The wear propert ies and the quality of interfacial. adhesion were characterized using optic al microscopy to observe fiber cross sections and by accelerated wear testi ng of carpet samples. Differential scanning calorimetry, capillary rheometr y, and tensile testing allowed for additional characterization of the mater ials in order to explain the differences noted in fiber performance. (C) 20 01 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.