Fabrication of high-strength polyoxymethylene fibers by gel spinning

• Published in: Journal of materials science 2018-08, Vol.53 (16), p.11901-11916
• Main Authors: Fang, Xudong, Wyatt, Tom, Shi, Jing, Yao, Donggaang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ambient temperature; Caprolactam; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Classical Mechanics; Crystallography and Scattering Methods; Draw ratio; Fibers; Formaldehyde; Gel spinning; High strength; Materials Science; Mechanical properties; Melt temperature; Modulus of elasticity; Polymer blends; Polymer Sciences; Polymers; Raman spectroscopy; Solid Mechanics; Tensile strength; Weight; X-ray diffraction
• ISSN: 0022-2461; 1573-4803
• DOI: 10.1007/s10853-018-2410-5

High-strength polyoxymethylene (POM) fibers were obtained by gel spinning with an oligomer–polymer blend instead of a conventional solution in an organic solvent. An optimal ratio of 80/20 (weight/weight) caprolactam/POM blend formed a gel upon cooling to ambient temperature and exhibited a melting temperature of 145 °C. The resulting blend was used in gel spinning of POM fibers with a 3-stage drawing process. Some outstanding features of a gel-spun POM fiber include a draw ratio of 40, a tensile strength at break of 2.01 ± 0.11 GPa and a Young’s modulus of 40.60 ± 0.69 GPa. The draw ratio and tensile strength of POM are significantly improved compared to those previously reported. The relationship between processing, structure and property was also investigated. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy demonstrate high crystallinity and good molecular orientation along the fiber drawing direction.