Abstract:
In the present, biodegaradable polymer have attracted attention of researcher due to firstly environmental problem concerns, and secondly the realization that our petroleum resources are finite. Polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) and Polylactic acid (PLA) are classified as the bio-based polymer. PTT are high elastic property and tensile strength, it can be used for textile while PLA has brittle properties. The aims of this research are to study the prepared of polymer blends between PTT/PLA and how to make the continuous fiber from the blends.
PTT/PLA blends were prepared by a twin-screw extruder at PTT/PLA blend ratios of 100/0, 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40, 50/50, 40/60, 30/70, 20/80, 10/90 and 0/100. The PTT/PLA blends was melt-spun in to the continuous fiber from by melt spinning technique. Technical properties for example differential scanning calorimeter and then for the flow properties for example melt flow, rheology and the last properties is physical properties for example fiber shrinkage testing.
The study found that the polymers melting temperature is very different and effect viscosity. When the amount of PLA added to the increases the viscosity of the polymer blends decreased. The continuous fiber from the PTT/PLA blends in the ratio 90 : 10 can roll continued. The tensile strength of the fibers can not change too much but tend to higher elongate due to the properties of PTT in the blend. Therefore the appropriate ratio of PTT/PLA blends can produce the continuous fibers for textile industry.