Controlled synthesis and performance study of hard elastic polypropylene fibres

Abstract

This study explores the fabrication process and performance characterisation of hard elastic polypropylene (PP) fibres. The fibres have been produced through melt spinning, followed by controlled stretching and post-processing treatments. Their structural and functional properties are examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, synchrotron radiation computed tomography, and mechanical testing. The results demonstrate that the fibres exhibit remarkable hard-elastic behaviour. Clear differences appear in the stress-strain curves between room temperature and water bath stretching. This variation is attributed to the possible formation of sub-crystalline structures during water-bath stretching, while slow cooling in air promotes structural optimisation and improved crystallisation. Furthermore, fibres extruded at 240 °C and subsequently annealed at 140 °C demonstrate the highest levels of elastic recovery and crystallinity, confirming the importance of precise thermal control in achieving superior mechanical performance.