Melt-spun bicomponent thermo-regulated polypropylene fibers

Bicomponent thermo-regulated fiber was fabricated by melt-spinning using n-alkanes and polymeric phase change material as the core and polypropylene as the shell.The surface morphology,thermal behavior and mechanical properties of the fiber were examined using scanning electron microscope(SEM),differential scanning calorimeter(DSC) and tensile strength tester.The results show that the fiber has a compact structure with obvious core-shell boundary.The heat enthalpy is about 36-40 J/g when the mass fraction of the phase change material is 28%.The strength and elongation at break of the fiber are 2.3 cN/dtex and 29%,respectively,as the drawn ratio is up to 2.75.The mechanical properties can satisfy the applied requirements of textile and apparels.