Preparation and performance of electrostatic melt⁃blown low⁃density polyethylene microfibers

doi:10.19491/j.issn.1001-9278.2025.05.004

Abstract

Abstract:

To address the challenges in refining polyethylene （PE） fibers and realize the preparation and applications of ultra⁃fine PE fibers and their membranes， a type of low⁃density PW （PE⁃LD） ultra⁃fine fibers and their nonwoven fabrics were successfully produced through improving the traditional melt⁃blown process by modifying the melt⁃blown die and introducing an electrostatic field. The effects of electrostatic field strength and distance on the morphology， web structure， and diameter distribution of the nonwoven fabrics were investigated. Furthermore， the differences in filtration， hydrophobicity， and mechanical properties of the nonwoven fabrics before and after introducing the electrostatic field were compared. The results indicated that the average fiber diameter decreased from 9.82 μm to 8.07 μm with an increase in the electrostatic field strength， and the fiber diameter distribution became narrow. This improved the filtration efficiency of the nonwoven fabrics. At a flow rate of 32 L/min， the highest filtration efficiency reached 73.65 % at a filtration resistance of 19.1 Pa. In addition， the hydrophobic performance of the nonwoven fabrics was enhanced with an increase in the electrostatic field. Such an electrostatic spinning method is suitable for the continuous preparation of high⁃viscosity melt micro⁃nano fibers and their nonwoven fabrics. The obtained products presented broad application prospects in the markets such as filtration materials and packaging.

Key words: low?density polyethylene, melt?blown technology, microfiber, polymer processing, electrostatic melt?blowing

CLC Number:

TQ325.1⁺2

LI Changjin, LIU Wenlong, YANG Weimin, GUO Zifang, LI Haoyi. Preparation and performance of electrostatic melt⁃blown low⁃density polyethylene microfibers[J]. China Plastics, 2025, 39(5): 25-29.

Figures/Tables 7

Fig.1. Schematic diagram of preparation device of the PE⁃LD nonwoven fabrics

Fig.2. SEM images of the fiber morphology under different electric field intensity

Fig.3. Diameter distribution of the fiber morphology under different electric field intensity

Fig.4. Average fiber diameter at different electric field distance

Fig.5. Filtration performance of the nonwovens at different electric field strength

静电场强度/kV	最大拉伸强力/N	拉伸强度/MPa
0	3.21	2.63
10	2.93	2.35
20	2.70	2.23
30	2.43	1.95
40	2.20	1.83

Tab.1. Mechanical properties of the PE⁃LD woven fabrics

静电场强度/kV	平均水接触角/（°）
0	133.3
10	135.6
20	138.8
30	141.2
40	142.7

Tab.2. Water contact angle of the PE⁃LD woven fabrics

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