Effects of Poly(ϵ-caprolactone) on Structure and Properties of Poly(lactic acid)/Poly(ϵ-caprolactone) Meltblown Nonwoven

Abstract

To obtain flexile poly(lactic acid)-based melt-blown nonwoven filtration material, poly(lactic acid)/poly(ϵ-caprolactone) melt-blown nonwoven with various components were melt-spun by melt-blown processing in the Melt-blown Experiment Line. The 3 wt.% tributyl citrate to poly(ϵ-caprolactone) was added in the composites as compatibilizer. The effect of poly(ϵ-caprolactone) on the structure, morphology, mechanical and filtration properties of poly(lactic acid)/poly(ϵ-caprolactone) melt-blown nonwoven was reported. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs revealed good dispersion of the additive in the fiber webs. The crystallinity of melt-blown webs with poly(ϵ-caprolactone) was more than that of poly(lactic acid) alone. The tensile strength, ductility and air permeability of poly(lactic acid) melt-blown nonwovens were enhanced significantly. The input of poly(ϵ-caprolactone) increased the diameter of fibers and decreased the filtration efficiency of poly(lactic acid)/poly(ϵ-caprolactone) melt-blown nonwoven.