Innovative Polytrimethylene Terephthalate (Ptt) Polymers for Technical Nonwovens

PTT (polytrimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) based meltblown and spunbonded webs have been produced by using Reicofil ^® Bi-Component Meltblown Line at TANDEC at the University of Tennessee and Reicofil ^® 3 Spunbonding system at Reifenhauser, Germany. The processability of meltblown and spunbonding in a wide range of operating windows was extensively investigated. The produced webs were characterized to optimize this process. It was found that the PTT grade studied is quite suitable for the meltblown and spunbonding process. The PTT/PP based bico meltblown webs showed enhanced barrier properties and heat resistance and the PTT spunbonded nonwovens showed advanced drapability and elastic recovery. Staple PTT fibers were also made into nonwovens using hydroentangling, thermobonding and needlepunching. Properties of these nonwovens were studied.