Suppression of β-crystal in iPP/PET Fiber Composites

Abstract

The β-crystal formed in PP/PET fiber composites was investigated. The results indicate that PET fibers (PF) can preferably lead to α-crystal formation on their surface. Besides, α-crystals occur earlier than those in the bulk. The β-crystal, might be induced by temperature gradient, only formed away from the PF in composites with lower content of PF. The higher the content of PF is, more possible the PF network is constructed. The transcrystallinity induced by PF will rapidly occupy the region between the adjacent PFs. Consequently, owing to the spatial confinement, β-form is suppressed in the composites with higher content of PF.

Keywords:

• β-crystal
• Heterogeneous nucleation
• PET fiber
• Polypropylene

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Contract grant sponsors include National Nature Science Found of China; Contract grant number: 50803060, 10590351, 10772164 and opening project of the Key Laboratory of Polymer Processing Engineering, Ministry of Education of China, Contract grant number: 20071202.