Distribution and Damages of Microcapsules Incorporated into Polypropylene Fibres

Abstract

The article describes the technique of incorporating microcapsules into polypropylene fibres, which ensures uniform distribution of microcapsules in the structure of polymer, and estimates the damages of microcapsules occurring during the preparation of input components and formation of fibres on a laboratory spin-drawing device. In the experimental part the properties of a polymer, microcapsules and used wax, i.e. the input components, which were used to form fibres by the melting process are presented. Then, the preparation of concentrates from the three input components in the Brabender® squeezer is presented. By intense mixing this machine prevents microcapsules to conglomerate, providing thus continuous formation of fibres on a spin-drawing device. The photos of fibres taken by optical microscope and those of lengthwise split fibres taken by scanning electronic microscope show uniform distribution of microcapsules in fibres. The damages of microcapsules resulting from high temperature of input components kneading and later formation of fibres are limited to concavities of the wall of some microcapsules; any other substantial damages are not exhibited.