RESEARCH OF PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES NONWOVEN MATERIALS BASED ON POLYLACTIC ACID

Abstract

Purpose. This article aims to study and compare the physical and mechanical properties of nonwoven materials made of polylactic acid and polypropylene.

Methodology. Non-woven polymer materials made of polypropylene and polylactic acid were obtained by the method of aerodynamic spraying of melt on a receiving drum (melt-blown) on a laboratory installation. Physico-mechanical properties such as strength and elongation at break were evaluated using a P-5 tensile machine (according to ISO 5725-1). The rheological characteristics of the studied polymers were evaluated by measuring the melt flow index according to ISO 1133.

Findings. The possibility of manufacturing non-woven material from polylactic acid on equipment suitable for polypropylene processing has been experimentally confirmed. The parameters of fiber structure, elongation, and breaking strength were investigated. Polylactic acid non-woven material was found to have 7–30 times higher tensile strength and 7–10 times less elongation at break compared to polypropylene non-woven material in the investigated range of median fiber diameters.

Originality. The dependence of the physical and mechanical properties of non-woven materials on the average diameter of elementary fibers was established.

Practical value. The technological possibilities of using polylactic acid as a material for the production of non-woven filter materials have been established.