Preparation of Side-By-Side Bicomponent Fibers Using Bio Polyol Based Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) and TPU/Polylactic Acid Blends

Abstract

In this study, side-by-side bicomponent fibers were prepared by melt spinning using bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and TPU/polylactic acid (PLA) blends. The morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of the fibers were investigated. To this end, the synthesis of TPU using biomass-based polyols and the preparation of TPU/PLA blends were preceded. Their morphological and structural characteristics were investigated. The synthesis of TPU was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared analysis, and as a result of gel permeation chromatograph analysis, a compound having a weight average molecular weight of 196,107 was synthesized. The TPU/PLA blends were blended in the ratio of 80/20, 60/40, 40/60, and 20/80 through a melt extruder. They formed a sea–island structure as a result of scanning electron microscope analysis, and an increase in the PLA content in the TPU matrix caused a decrease in the melt flow index. Finally, TPU/(TPU/PLA) side-by-side bicomponent fibers were prepared by utilizing the above two materials. These fibers exhibited tensile strengths of up to 3624 MPa, with improved biocarbon content of up to 71.5%. These results demonstrate the potential of TPU/(TPU/PLA) side-by-side bicomponent fibers for various applications.

Utilization of Jute Waste for Sustainable Eco-Film Preparation

“…Peaks around 1371–1369 cm –1 represent CH bending and phenolic OH stretching vibrations in all specimens. In JC, there is an intermediate peak near 1246 cm –1 due to C–O stretching in the ether linkage for lignin, but this peak disappears completely in JCC . Peaks around 1162–1160 cm –1 in JC and JCC are due to C–O–C stretching, confirming the presence of cellulose .…”

“…In JC, there is an intermediate peak near 1246 cm −1 due to C−O stretching in the ether linkage for lignin, but this peak disappears completely in JCC. 51 Peaks around 1162−1160 cm −1 in JC and JCC are due to C−O−C stretching, confirming the presence of cellulose. 52 Peaks near 898−890 cm −1 confirm the presence of the βglycosidic linkage.…”

“…52 Peaks near 898−890 cm −1 confirm the presence of the βglycosidic linkage. The band near 1221 cm −1 is responsible for the C−O−C stretching of the urethane group, 51 while the peak around 1169 cm −1 represents the C−O−C stretching of the ester group. Furthermore, the C−O−O stretching represents the urethane group for the peak at 770 cm −1 in TPU.…”

Effects of Polybutylene Succinate Content on the Rheological Properties of Polylactic Acid/Polybutylene Succinate Blends and the Characteristics of Their Fibers

“…Bulk modification can be achieved by incorporating plasticizers, nucleating agents, inorganic fillers, or other toughening materials such as PCL, PBS [6], PBAT, or PE [7]. Additionally, studies have applied thermoplastic polyurethane [8,9] to enhance its properties. Among them, PBS is a commercially available aliphatic polymer known for its excellent flexibility and toughness, often used to counteract the brittleness of PLA [5].…”