The main goal of the project is to develop filaments and yarns with improved mechanical properties by introducing thermoplastic microfibrillar reinforcements. These structures can be obtained by melt-processing technologies of specialty polymer blends. The produced textile structures with improved properties will be evaluated as such in technical textile applications, or can be further processed into composites by means of compression moulding. A recent development showed that melt processing blends of two non-compatible polymers can lead to the creation of a specialty micro-composite. This micro-composite is composed of a matrix of one polymer containing microfibrils of the other polymer. If processed appropriately, the microfibrils are oriented in macro-composites. The generated structures show an impressive reinforcing and stiffening effect on the final composites.
Project funding:
CORNET