The effect of process parameters on the properties of elastic melt blown nonwovens: Air pressure and DCD

An elastic masterbatch and elastic melt blown nonwovens are prepared based successively on styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) and polypropylene (PP) blend. The phase separation morphology, rheological properties and crystal structure of the elastic masterbatch are investigated. The results show that a compatible and stable structure is obtained in molten SEBS and PP blend with excellent mobility in the temperature range of 210-230 degrees C. The crystallization of PP slows down resulting in a finer structure due to the restriction of the SEBS network structure with rarely change of crystalline structure. The relationship between process parameters and properties of the elastic nonwoven is also studied in detail. Air pressure and die to collector distance (DCD) have discernible effects on fiber diameter and bonding between fibers, further influencing the performances of nonwovens including porosity, tensile strength and elastic recovery. Elastic recovery is shown to be significantly more affected by DCD than by air pressure.

Automated summary

An elastic masterbatch and elastic melt blown nonwovens were prepared using SEBS and PP blend. The study investigated the phase separation morphology, rheological properties, and crystal structure of the elastic masterbatch. Results showed that a compatible structure was achieved in the blend, with SEBS network structure restricting the crystallization of PP. The study also examined the relationship between process parameters and properties of the elastic nonwoven, finding that air pressure and DCD affected fiber diameter and bonding, with DCD having a greater impact on elastic recovery.