Production of polypropylene melt blown nonwoven fabrics: Part II —Effect of process parameters

Abstract

The effects of processing parameters on the fibre diameter and the web weight unevenness of melt blowing nonwovens fabrics produced by dual slot inset sharp die have been investigated. It is observed that the effects of processing parameters on fibre diameter and web weight unevenness are not similar. The results show that the web weight unevenness increases with the increases in polymer throughput rate and accessory air pressure; the web weight unevenness decreases initially and then increases with the increase in air initial pressure and die-to-collector distance. The fibre diameter decreases with the increases in air initial pressure and accessory air pressure and reductions in air initial pressure; the fibre diameter decreases initially and then increases with the increase in die-to-collector distance. It is concluded that the polymer throughput rate, accessory air pressure, air initial pressure and die-to-collector distance are the key factors in controlling the web weight unevenness of melt blowing nonwoven, and the lower polymer throughput rate, larger air initial pressure, larger accessory air pressure and die-to-collector distance will be of benefit to produce finer fibre diameter.