Modified interfaces in multicomponent polypropylene fibers

Increased strength, adsorption capacity and improved resistance against a flame of split film polypropylene fibers could be achieved by applying particulate additives with modified interphases. In the presence of an elastomer interlayer a high drawing ratio could be achieved. A reactive surfactant additive was more appropriate for increasing the tensile strength of filled fibers, while oil adsorbent fibers required fillers covered with non-reactive surfactants for improving the adsorption capacity. Model experiments using XPS and DSC methods and SEM analysis were applied for studying the cause of these effects. The migration of flame retardant additives to the surface of PP fibers could be followed using the XPS method. This advantageous effect can be promoted by silicone interphase. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.