Abstract:

In this paper, the effect of the uniaxial deformation of PP/organoclay composite fibers in spinning and drawing on their supermolecular structure as well as thermal and mechanical properties is presented. Commercial organoclays Cloisite C15A and Cloisite C30B, both based on montmorillonite (MMT), were used as inorganic fillers in the experimental work. The supermolecular structure of fibers was investigated by DSC analysis and X-ray diffraction (WAXS). The DSC measurements were carried out using the conventional method (CM) and constant length method (CLM), in which fibers of constant length were assured during measurement. The average orientation of fibers was evaluated by the sonic velocity method. The intercalation of polypropylene in interlayer galleries of the organoclay was evaluated by the SAXS method. The tenacity and Young’s modulus of composite fibers were evaluated and discussed with regard to their thermal properties and supermolecular structure, as well as the intercalation and exfoliation of the (nano)filler in the polymer matrix.