Contents
Contributor contact details xi
Woodhead Publishing in Textiles xiii
Preface xix
Part I Properties and applications of polyolefin fibres
1 Types of polyolefin fibres 3
A CRANGLE, Formerly of University of Ulster at Belfast, UK
1.1 Introduction 3
1.2 Definitions of polymers, fibres and polyolefins 4
1.3 Chemistry of alkene (olefin) monomers 5
1.4 Polymers and polymerisation reactions 6
1.5 Stereochemistry and the structure of polyolefins 9
1.6 Polyethylene fibres 15
1.7 Polypropylene fibres 16
1.8 Polyolefin fibres from copolymers 19
1.9 Polyolefin fibres from polymer blends or alloys 20
1.10 Polyolefin bi-component fibres 23
1.11 Polyolefin nanocomposite fibres 24
1.12 Classification of polyolefin fibres and textiles 25
1.13 Future trends 26
1.14 Conclusions 28
1.15 Sources of further information and advice 29
1.16 References 30
2 The structural and chemical properties of polyolefin 35 fibres
R R MATHER, Heriot-Watt University, UK
2.1 Introduction 35
2.2 Arrangement of polyolefin chains 37
2.3 Crystalline structures 38
2.4 Crystal morphology 40
2.5 Chemical properties 41
2.6 Oxidation of polyolefin fibres 42
2.7 Stabilisers 45
2.8 Surface chemistry of polyolefin fibres 50
2.9 References 54
3 The structural mechanics of polyolefin fibrous materials and nanocomposites 57
S UGBOLUE, University of Massachusetts, USA
3.1 Introduction 57
3.2 The structure and mechanics of polyolefin fibrous materials 58
3.3 The mechanical properties of polyolefin fibers and films 59
3.4 Characterization of polyolefin fibrous materials and nanocomposites 66
3.5 Structure-property improvements of polyolefin nanocomposites 70
3.6 Conclusions 78
3.7 Acknowledgements 78
3.8 References 79
4 Automotive components composed of polyolefins 81
E SADIKU, Tshwane University of Technology, Republic of South Africa
4.1 Introduction: brief survey of polyolefin resins and their general properties 81
4.2 Types of polyolefins 84
4.3 Ethylene copolymers 90
4.4 Polypropylene (PP) and its composites 91
4.5 Polyolefin-based nanocomposites 98
4.6 Foamable and expandable polyolefins (FEPO) 100
4.7 Sun visors 105
4.8 Ethylene propylene rubbers: ethylene propylene diene (EPDM) and ethylene propylene copolymers (EPM) 106
4.9 Other poly (á-olefins) 107
4.10 Cyclo-olefin copolymers: properties and applications 108
4.11 Polyolefin elastomers: properties and applications of polyolefin elastomers (POE) 108
4.12 Chlorinated polyethylene and chloro-sulphonated polyethylene 109
4.13 Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) 109
4.14 Specific automotive components made of polyolefin-based materials 119
4.15 Future trends 126
4.16 Conclusions 127
4.17 Sources of further information and advice 128
4.18 References 129
5 The use of polyolefins in industrial and medical applications 133
Y KIM, University of Massachusetts, USA
5.1 Introduction 133
5.2 Technical textile applications of polyolefins 135
5.3 Polyolefin fiber properties and types 136
5.4 Technical fibrous structures from polyolefin fibers 138
5.5 Industrial applications of polyolefin fibers 144
5.6 Conclusions and future trends 151
5.7 References 152
6 Advances in polyolefin-based fibers for hygienic and medical applications 154
R M PATEL and J MARTIN, The Dow Chemical Company, USA and
G CLAASEN and T ALLGEUER, Dow Plastics, Switzerland
6.1 Introduction 154
6.2 Monocomponent polyethylene-based soft spunbond fabrics 156
6.3 Monocomponent polypropylene-based soft spunbond fabrics 168
6.4 Bi-component spunbond fabric and bi-component binder fibers 171
6.5 Conclusions 180
6.6 Acknowledgements 181
6.7 References 181
Part II Improving the functionality of polyolefins
7 Production methods for polyolefin fibers 185
R KOTEK, M AFSHARI, V HARBISON and A GUPTA, North Carolina
State University, USA
7.1 Introduction 185
7.2 Manufacturing of polyolefins 186
7.3 Melt spinning of polypropylene 206
7.4 Important factors in melt spinning of polypropylene 219
7.5 Melt spinning of polyethylene 245
7.6 Other production methods for polyolefins 247
7.7 References 258
8 Enhancing hygiene/antimicrobial properties of polyolefins 262
M BADROSSAMAY and G SUN, University of California, USA
8.1 Introduction 262
8.2 Antimicrobial functions 263
8.3 Antimicrobial polyolefins 265
8.4 Future trends 281
8.5 References 283
9 Improving the use of polyolefins in nonwovens 288
S R MALKAN, Hunter Douglas, USA
9.1 Introduction 288
9.2 Nonwoven definition 289
9.3 Nonwoven market 291
9.4 Classification of nonwoven fabrics 291
9.5 Finishing of nonwovens 302
9.6 Characteristics and properties of nonwoven fabrics 304
9.7 Consumption profile of polyolefins in nonwovens 305
9.8 Applications of polyolefin nonwovens 312
9.9 Future trends 313
9.10 References 314
10 Testing and quality control of polyolefins 316
S UGBOLUE, University of Massachusetts, USA
10.1 Introduction 316
10.2 Testing and characterization of polyolefins 318
10.3 Selected product analysis and performance evaluation: case study on polyolefin nanocomposites 330
10.4 Quality control considerations 339
10.5 Acknowledgements 339
10.6 References 339
11 Polyolefin nanocomposite fibers and films 341
Q FAN, University of Massachusetts, USA
11.1 Introduction 341
11.2 Polyolefin nanocomposite fibers and films 342
11.3 Preparation of polyolefin nanocomposite fibers and films 345
11.4 Characterization and analysis 346
11.5 Applications of polyolefin nanocomposites 351
11.6 Chemical applications 353
11.7 Conclusions 357
11.8 Acknowledgements 358
11.9 References 358
12 Improving the colouration/dyeability of polyolefin fibres 363
R SHAMEY, North Carolina State University, USA
12.1 Introduction 363
12.2 Overview of structural features of polyolefins 364
12.3 An overview of dye–fibre interactions 366
12.4 Colorants 368
12.5 Colouration of unmodified polyolefins 369
12.6 Improving colouration of polypropylene through fibre modification 384
12.7 Conclusions 391
12.8 Acknowledgements 392
12.9 References 392
Index 398