Improving the Thermal Stability of Textile Fiber Finishes

Abstract

The objective of this research is to study the behavior of fiber finish components at high temperatures used in real-world textile processes in order to understand the mechanism of degradation and oxidation of fiber finishes, which helps to develop finishes with premium thermal stability. Thermal degradation of polyol ester lubricants used as the main component of textile fiber finishes at high temperature (i.e. 220°C) has been studied to model the real world degradation of finishes on fiber manufacturing equipment. An experimental system was developed to subject finish components to high temperatures and prepare samples of gas, liquid and solid phase. Different chemical and analytical techniques were used to measure degradation in the lubricant. The amount of degradation products during the long-term thermal stressing of lubricants have been measured. Also, possible mechanisms of degradation, chemical oxidation and formation of degradation products of the polyol ester lubricant have been explained. The effects of several antioxidants used in fiber industry and turbine engine oil industry on thermal stability of the lubricants have been investigated. Furthermore, the behavior of other component of finishes (antistatic agents and emulsifiers) at high temperature independently and in mixtures has been researched. The results were discussed and some suggestions have been made that can help fiber industry with more thermally stable finishes.

Description

Keywords

fiber lubricant, thermal stability, fiber finish, textile finish, thermal degradation

Citation

Degree

PhD

Discipline

Fiber and Polymer Science

Collections