A fiber surface modification machine and a fiber surface modification method

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of fiber modification, and particularly relates to a fiber surface modification machine and a fiber surface modification method. The fiber surface modification machine comprises a shell and a control box, the shell is internally provided with an atomization system, an ionization system, a heating system and a flue; the control box is used for controlling the atomization system, the ionization system and the heating system; the atomization system is used for controlling a spray component and / or a gas component in the flue, the ionization system is used for discharging to the flue, and the heating system is used for controlling the temperature in the flue. The application further provides a method for performing fiber surface modification by using the above fiber surface modification machine. The application has a good modification effect on fibers such as aramid fibers which are difficult to modify, and the application is modularly designed, can adjust the modification process according to the modification requirements of various fibers, and has a wide application range. Therefore, the application has a good application prospect.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of fiber modification technology, specifically relating to a fiber surface modification machine and a fiber surface modification method. Background Technology

[0002] High-performance fibers have a wide range of applications, and different application fields typically have various modification requirements for them. For example, para-aramid fiber (PPTA) is one of the most typical high-performance organic fibers, and its derivatives such as Technora, Armos, and Aramid III are widely used in various fields due to their high strength, high modulus, low density, and high heat resistance. As PPTA continues to be innovated in civilian products, end users are constantly raising their requirements for the color, diameter, surface physical structure, and surface energy of aramid fibers. For a long time, surface modification of aramid fibers has been a key research focus and challenge, especially for para-aramid. Its molecular structure is compact, its crystallinity is high, its intermolecular forces are strong, its fiber swelling after molding is difficult, its glass transition temperature is high, and its molecular structure contains only amide bonds and benzene rings. Currently, conventional subsequent chemical and physical modification methods are difficult to achieve good modification effects, which in turn affects and limits its subsequent application.

[0003] Currently, chemical modification of aramid fibers mainly involves introducing active groups onto the aramid surface through post-treatment reactions, thereby altering its surface polarity. Examples include surface chemical etching and surface chemical grafting. On the other hand, physical modification utilizes physical processes to change the structure and morphology of the fiber surface, improving its roughness and wettability. Methods include surface coating, ultrasonication, plasma treatment, high-energy radiation treatment, and supercritical fluid methods. Because aramid molecular chains contain benzene rings and amide bonds, surface chemical grafting can be used to perform substitution reactions at different positions, thus modifying the aramid surface. Physical modification methods can create grooves or free radical reactive centers on the aramid surface. These reactive centers can react with substances on the fiber surface, introducing various polar groups, changing the fiber surface structure and morphology, further enhancing the bond strength between the fiber and the matrix, and improving the performance of the composite material.

[0004] However, the aforementioned modification methods all have some problems. On the one hand, the modification effect of some methods is still not ideal; on the other hand, these methods are usually developed for a specific need, making it difficult to use a single method or device to modify aramid fibers for different applications. Furthermore, how to achieve continuous processing and improve production efficiency is also an urgent problem to be solved. In conclusion, the art still needs to develop new devices and methods to achieve efficient, multifunctional, and continuous modification of aramid and other fibers. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems of existing technologies, this invention provides a fiber surface modification machine and a fiber surface modification method.

[0006] A fiber surface modification machine includes a housing and a control box. The housing is equipped with an atomization system, an ionization system, a heating system, and a channel. The control box is used to control the atomization system, the ionization system, and the heating system. The atomization system is used to control the spray components and / or gas components in the channel. The ionization system is used to discharge into the channel. The heating system is used to control the temperature in the channel.

[0007] Preferably, a metal guide wheel is provided at the exit of the passageway, and the metal guide wheel is grounded.

[0008] Preferably, a washing machine is provided at the rear end of the passageway; the washing machine is equipped with guide rollers, which are driven by a planetary geared motor.

[0009] Preferably, a temperature sensor and / or a gas component sensor are provided in the passageway. The temperature sensor and / or the gas component sensor are connected to the control box via signal input and are used for feedback adjustment and control of the atomization system, the ionization system and the heating system.

[0010] Preferably, the heating system includes two heating coils, which are respectively disposed at the upper and lower parts of the passageway, and the heating coils are S-shaped.

[0011] Preferably, the atomizing system includes an air intake pipe and a circulation pipe, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the passage;

[0012] The air intake pipe includes a liquid pipe and a gas pipe. The gas pipe is equipped with several nozzles. The nozzles of the nozzles are located inside the channel. The liquid pipe is connected to the nozzles through a capillary tube. The nozzles are equipped with an air intake knob for adjusting the liquid flow rate.

[0013] The circulation pipe is equipped with several liquid recovery ports, which are connected to the passageway.

[0014] Preferably, the ionization system includes a copper sheet and a plurality of discharge cones, the copper sheet and the discharge cones being respectively disposed on both sides of the passageway.

[0015] Preferably, the atomizing system includes an air intake pipe and a circulation pipe, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the passage;

[0016] The air intake pipe includes a liquid pipe and a gas pipe. The gas pipe is equipped with several nozzles. The nozzles of the nozzles are located inside the channel. The liquid pipe is connected to the nozzles through a capillary tube. The nozzles are equipped with an air intake knob for adjusting the liquid flow rate.

[0017] The circulation pipeline is provided with several liquid recovery ports, which are connected to the passageway;

[0018] The ionization system includes a copper sheet and several discharge cones, with the copper sheet and discharge cones respectively disposed on both sides of the passageway;

[0019] The nozzle and the discharge cone are arranged alternately at intervals.

[0020] Preferably, the length of the passageway is 1000-5000 mm.

[0021] The present invention also provides a method for modifying fiber surface using the above-mentioned fiber surface modification machine, which includes: passing the fiber through the channel and applying at least one of an atomization system, an ionization system or a heating system to modify the fiber surface.

[0022] This invention provides an apparatus for surface modification of aramid and other fiber materials. Using this apparatus to modify the surface of fibers offers the following advantages:

[0023] 1. The device of this invention exhibits excellent performance in surface modification of fibers that are difficult to modify, providing strong support for surface modification (e.g., etching the skin layer, controlling the surface phase structure, etc.) required for various applications of fibers such as aramid. For example, for aramid, its dense skin layer can effectively block solvent penetration, and its low surface area cannot effectively bind with dye molecules. The device of this application combines multiple functions such as atomization, ionization, and heating, enabling better surface modification. Preliminary studies and experiments have shown that when using this equipment for fiber dyeing, the dyeing effect is better, and the color fastness is improved by 0.5 to 1 grade in wash fastness and perspiration fastness tests. In addition, in the composite material pretreatment stage, the bonding strength between the fiber and the matrix can be improved by about 20%.

[0024] 2. The device of this invention is modular, allowing for flexible adjustment of the processing methods (atomization, ionization, and heating) and parameters according to the modification requirements of different fiber materials, thus possessing broad application prospects. For example, in implementing antibacterial modification of fiber surfaces, the uniformity and firmness of antibacterial particles are increased. Tests show that the antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus is improved by 50% and 20%, respectively. In the pretreatment stage for preparing ultrafine fibers from island-spinning, the system can effectively swell the marine phase, saving 20% ​​to 40% of the time compared to traditional post-treatment processes. Furthermore, for polypropylene fibers, the oxygen plasma treatment of this system can effectively activate their surface, increasing their interfacial adhesion to other resin matrices by approximately 15%.

[0025] 3. When the device of the present invention performs fiber surface modification, it is a continuous processing process, thus having the advantage of good uniformity in fiber surface modification.

[0026] 4. The device of the present invention integrates multiple modification methods and has the advantages of high efficiency, energy saving and environmental protection.

[0027] In summary, the fiber surface modification device of the present invention has great application prospects.

[0028] Obviously, based on the above description of the present invention, and in accordance with common technical knowledge and conventional methods in the field, various other modifications, substitutions, or alterations can be made without departing from the basic technical concept of the present invention.

[0029] The following detailed embodiments further illustrate the above-described content of the present invention. However, this should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention to the following examples. All technologies implemented based on the above-described content of the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the fiber surface modification machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the heating system of the fiber surface modification machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the ionization system of the fiber surface modification machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the spray system of the fiber surface modification machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the fiber surface modification machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0035] Among them, 1-control box, 2-passage, 3-external air source, 4-outer shell, 5-temperature sensor, 6-gas component sensor, 7-planetary geared motor, 8-guide roller, 9-washing machine, 10-metal guide wheel, 11-heating coil, 12-discharge cone, 13-copper sheet, 14-nozzle, 15-air intake knob, 16-air intake pipe, 17-circulation pipe, 18-dust cover. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Example 1: Fiber Surface Modification Machine

[0037] This embodiment provides a fiber surface modification machine, the structure of which is as follows: Figures 1-5 As shown.

[0038] Specifically, it includes a housing 4 and a control box 1. The housing 4 houses an atomization system, an ionization system, a heating system, and a passageway 2. The control box 1 controls the atomization system, ionization system, and heating system. The atomization system controls the spray components and / or gas components within the passageway 2; the ionization system discharges into the passageway 2; and the heating system controls the temperature within the passageway 2. A metal guide wheel 10 is installed at the outlet of the passageway 2, and the metal guide wheel 10 is grounded. A washing machine 9 is installed at the rear end of the passageway 2. The washing machine 9 contains guide rollers 8, which are driven by a planetary geared motor 7. The washing machine 9 can wash away residual organic solvents, inorganic salts, and other substances from the fibers and provides power for fiber traction. Furthermore, the fiber surface modification machine is equipped with bottom rollers, facilitating the addition, removal, or adjustment of components according to experimental and production needs.

[0039] Temperature sensor 5 and / or gas component sensor 6 are installed in the passageway 2. Temperature sensor 5 and / or gas component sensor 6 are connected to control box 1 through signal input and are used for feedback adjustment and control of atomization system, ionization system and heating system.

[0040] The heating system includes two heating coils 11, which are respectively located at the upper and lower parts of the passageway 2. The heating coils 11 are S-shaped.

[0041] The atomizing system includes an air intake pipe 16 and a circulation pipe 17, which are respectively located on both sides of the passageway 2. The air intake pipe 16 includes a liquid pipe and a gas pipe. A plurality of nozzles 14 are provided on the gas pipe, and the nozzles of the nozzles 14 are located inside the passageway 2. The liquid pipe is connected to the nozzles 14 through capillary tubes, and the nozzles 14 are provided with an air intake knob 15 for adjusting the liquid flow rate. A plurality of liquid recovery ports are provided on the circulation pipe 17, and the liquid recovery ports are connected to the passageway 2.

[0042] The ionization system includes a copper sheet 13 and several discharge cones 12, with the copper sheet 13 and discharge cones 12 respectively disposed on both sides of the passageway 2.

[0043] The nozzles 14 and discharge cones 12 are arranged alternately to ensure the stability and uniformity of the chemical composition and charge distribution in the fiber's environment. A dust cover 18 made of silicone rubber is installed around the atomization system and ionization system. The dust cover 18 is tightly fitted to the passageway 2 to prevent solvent leakage and potential hazards. Figure 5 The gap between the internal structure and the outer shell 1 is filled with thermal insulation cotton to ensure temperature stability.

[0044] The length of the passageway 2 (outer shell 4) is 2000mm, and the length of the washing machine 9 is 600mm.

[0045] The specific specifications of the fiber surface modification machine in this embodiment are as follows:

[0046]

[0047] The working principle of the fiber surface modification machine in this embodiment is as follows:

[0048] The heating system can adjust the temperature within the range of room temperature (25℃) to 150℃. Temperature data is transmitted to the control box 1 via temperature sensor 5 installed in the passageway 2. Temperature is an important process parameter for surface modification and is set according to the specific fiber type and modification method.

[0049] The atomization system works by spraying liquid (such as organic solvent) and gas together through the narrow orifice of nozzle 14. High-speed friction and collision break the solvent into micron-sized droplets, which are then evenly distributed within the channel 2. The liquid pipe in the air inlet pipe 16 has a smaller inner diameter (1-2 mm), and the liquid it carries enters nozzle 14 through capillary action. The gas pipe has a larger inner diameter (4-5 mm), and the high-speed flow creates negative pressure, causing the solvent to be sprayed out along with the liquid through nozzle 14. The air intake knob 15 above nozzle 14 controls the liquid flow rate. The spray can be recovered through the circulation pipe 17 on the other side of channel 2. Due to the negative pressure created by the airflow within the pipe, the spray is discharged with the air. The outlet of the circulation pipe can be placed in an organic solvent bottle for circulation, or it can be directly discharged as waste liquid. The nitrogen flow rate is controllable from 0 to 1000 mL / min.

[0050] The ionization system ionizes the organic spray through tip discharge and simultaneously activates some functional groups on the fiber surface, which is beneficial for chemical reactions on the fiber surface. At the same time, by adjusting the voltage, it can also etch the fiber surface, increasing roughness and exposing more active functional groups, which is conducive to tight bonding with colorant molecules. 380V AC power is converted into 0-5kV adjustable DC power after being processed by a rectifier bridge, transformer, and other modules (located in control box 1), and then interacts with the organically sprayed fibers via discharge cone 12. The copper plate 13 on the other side of the passageway 2 is grounded to ensure safe operation of the equipment. 36 discharge cones are pre-installed to ensure the uniformity of the ionized gas, and the number can be increased or decreased according to the effect of fiber surface modification.

[0051] Using the three systems described above, fibers can be fully wetted or participate in chemical reactions in organic sprays, suitable for applications such as fiber dyeing, surface treatment, heat treatment, and cross-linking. An external gas source 3 (such as nitrogen) can be used to atomize organic solvents, colorants, or reactants, ensuring the fibers to be treated are fully wetted or reacted in the channel 2. The organic spray can be recycled through the circulation pipe 17, reducing material loss and energy consumption.

[0052] After surface modification, the fiber is driven by a grounded metal guide wheel 10 to eliminate static electricity. It then winds around two guide rollers 8 in the washing tank 9 for 5-20 turns to remove excess solvent. The fiber's movement is controlled by the guide rollers 8 in the washing tank, both of which are powered by planetary geared motors 7, allowing for precise speed adjustment from 0 to 50 m / min to meet most application requirements.

[0053] Example 2: Method for Fiber Surface Modification

[0054] This embodiment provides a method for modifying fiber surface using the apparatus of Embodiment 1. Specifically, the fiber is passed through the channel, and at least one of an atomization system, an ionization system, or a heating system is used to modify the fiber surface.

[0055] This embodiment presents two application examples:

[0056] (1) Use a mixed spray component and gas component. For example, when grafting polycarboxylated polyurethane onto the surface of aramid fibers, a PU emulsion and a silane coupling agent can be used in the spray to achieve an in-situ coupling reaction on the aramid fiber surface. The PU emulsion is prepared as a 3wt% DMAc solution; the silane coupling agent is KH-560 and is used in combination with the PU solution at a ratio of 1:50; the air inlet is air with an air inlet rate of 600 mL / min; the fiber drawing speed is 0.5 m / min, and the draw ratio is 1.02.

[0057] (2) Periodic changes in spray composition, gas composition, and discharge power. For example, to dye aramid fibers, the aramid surface can be bombarded with oxygen plasma to induce the breakage of some amide bonds, generating active groups. Then, the discharge is turned off, and dye molecules are blown into the channel to bond with the aramid surface. The above process is repeated until the fiber passes through the channel. The discharge voltage is 2kV; the dyes used can be Sudan Red, Red BL, Yellow C, Red F3B, Blue RH-B, etc., which are prepared into solutions and then carried in by a nitrogen gas flow; the nitrogen flow rate is 600mL / min, the fiber drawing speed is 0.6m / min, and the draw ratio is 1.02.

[0058] Example 3: Evaluation of dyeing and color fastness of aramid fibers

[0059] This embodiment provides a method for dyeing aramid fibers using the apparatus of Embodiment 1. The specific process involves dyeing aramid fibers (… Aramid III (Sichuan Zigong Huiteng) is processed through the aforementioned channel, using an atomization system and an ionization system to treat the fiber surface. Specific process parameters are as follows: aramid fibers are dyed with a petroleum ether solution of Sudan Red (1.0%), subjected to 2kV discharge in a N2 atmosphere, and drawn at a speed of 0.6m / min.

[0060] Whiteness Experiment: Aramid fibers treated with the fiber surface modification machine as described in Example 1 were collected, and aramid fiber samples that underwent dye immersion treatment for the same duration (dyeing the aramid fibers with a 1.0% Sudan Red petroleum ether solution, controlling the immersion time to be the same as the time used in the fiber surface modification machine) were collected as controls to ensure that the source and processing of the samples were representative. The whiteness of the two types of fibers was tested according to the GB / T 9338-2008 standard.

[0061] Wash fastness test: This simulates the performance of fibers under washing conditions. Dyed aramid fibers were immersed in deionized water at 30°C for 1 hour, dried, and the process was repeated. Color fastness was evaluated after 10 cycles.

[0062] Colorfastness to perspiration test: A perspiration simulation test is conducted to simulate the performance of fibers under perspiration conditions. Colorfastness is evaluated after 10 simulated exposure cycles using a standard perspiration simulating solution. The colorfastness test follows the GB / T 8427-2008 standard.

[0063] The results showed that the lightness L of the aramid fibers dyed using the fiber surface modification machine was 0.63, while that of the aramid fibers treated with impregnation was 0.69. The dyeing effect was better when using the equipment in Example 1. In the wash fastness and perspiration fastness tests, the aramid fibers dyed using the fiber surface modification machine had an average color fastness that was 0.5 to 1 grade higher than that of the impregnated aramid fibers.

[0064] Example 4 Composite Material Pretreatment

[0065] This embodiment provides a method for pretreating composite materials using the apparatus of Embodiment 1. The specific process involves passing fibers through the channel and pretreating the aramid fibers ( ) in an oxygen atmosphere. Aramid III (Sichuan Zigong Huiteng) underwent discharge treatment at a voltage of 4kV and a drawing speed of 0.6m / min. Oxygen plasma was generated under the action of voltage, which bombarded the surface of the aramid fiber, roughening the surface and generating active groups such as carboxyl groups.

[0066] Using pretreated aramid fibers as the experimental group and untreated aramid fibers as the control group, composite materials were further prepared. The specific steps were: impregnating the fibers in a silane coupling agent, and then compounding them with epoxy resin (E-44, Krohne Chemicals). The oxygen plasma-treated aramid fibers were tested using a monofilament pull-out method. The results showed that the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of the experimental group was 36.7 MPa, significantly better than the IFSS of the control group (30.2 MPa). This indicates that the fiber surface modification machine of this invention can improve the bonding strength between the fiber and the matrix by approximately 20%.

[0067] Example 5: Antibacterial Modification of Fibers

[0068] This embodiment provides a method for antibacterial modification of fibers using the apparatus of Embodiment 1. The specific steps are as follows: the pH of the PHMG aqueous solution is adjusted to 10-12 with sodium hydroxide, atomized at a temperature of 40℃-60℃, and fully impregnated with commercially available spandex fibers (PE39T, Shandong Taihe) in an air atmosphere to undergo a grafting reaction, thereby giving the fibers antibacterial ability.

[0069] Antibacterial testing was performed using the agar plate method, with Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538, Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229, Gram-negative) as test bacteria, co-cultured under optimal culture conditions and temperature. The results showed that compared to spandex fibers immersed in PHMG aqueous solution, the antibacterial rates against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus increased by 50% and 20%, respectively.

[0070] Example 6: Post-treatment of microfiber

[0071] This embodiment provides a method for post-processing ultrafine fibers using the apparatus of Embodiment 1. The specific steps are as follows: Commercially available polyurethane granules (PE39T, Shandong Taihe) and polypropylene granules (Shanghai SECCO) are placed in an oven at 60°C for 12 hours. After melting through a twin-screw extruder, the polymer melt is metered and fed into a composite spinning assembly in a 1:1 to 2:1 ratio. Through a "sea-island" spinning process, the polypropylene phase is orderly distributed within the polyurethane phase. The polypropylene is then extruded from the spinneret of the spinning assembly, cooled, shaped, and stretched. Finally, it is wound into a filament tube using a winding device to prepare a composite fiber with polyurethane as the "sea" phase and polypropylene as the "island" phase. The composite fiber is then introduced into a fiber surface modification machine and fully swelled in a DMSO atmosphere. The temperature is 50–80°C; the inlet air is air at a flow rate of 600 mL / min; the fiber drawing speed is 0.5 m / min, and the draw ratio is 1.01. This method of treating fibers can save 20-40% of the time and solvent usage compared to washing fibers by immersing them in DMSO.

[0072] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the present invention provides a fiber surface modification machine. This device can perform various modifications and treatments on fiber materials, possessing not only rich functionality but also exhibiting excellent processing performance in applications such as dyeing, surface modification, and pretreatment. Therefore, the fiber surface modification machine of the present invention and the method for fiber surface modification using this device have promising application prospects.

Claims

1. A fiber surface modification machine, characterized in that: The device includes an outer casing (4) and a control box (1). The outer casing (4) is equipped with an atomization system, an ionization system, a heating system, and a passageway (2). The control box (1) is used to control the atomization system, the ionization system, and the heating system. The atomization system is used to control the spray components and / or gas components in the passageway (2). The ionization system is used to discharge into the passageway (2). The heating system is used to control the temperature in the passageway (2). The heating system includes two heating coils (11), which are respectively located at the upper and lower parts of the passage (2). The heating coils (11) are S-shaped. The atomization system includes an air intake pipe (16) and a circulation pipe (17), which are respectively arranged on both sides of the passage (2); The air intake pipe (16) includes a liquid pipe and a gas pipe. A plurality of nozzles (14) are provided on the gas pipe. The nozzle part of the nozzle (14) is located inside the passage (2). The liquid pipe is connected to the nozzle (14) through a capillary tube. The nozzle (14) is provided with an air intake knob (15) for adjusting the liquid flow rate. The circulation pipe (17) is provided with several liquid recovery ports, which are connected to the passage (2); The ionization system includes a copper sheet (13) and a plurality of discharge cones (12), the copper sheet (13) and the discharge cones (12) being respectively disposed on both sides of the passage (2); The nozzle (14) and the discharge cone (12) are arranged alternately at intervals.

2. The fiber surface modification machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A metal guide wheel (10) is provided at the exit of the passage (2), and the metal guide wheel (10) is grounded.

3. The fiber surface modification machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A washing machine (9) is provided at the rear end of the passageway (2); a guide roller (8) is provided inside the washing machine (9), and the guide roller (8) is driven by a planetary geared motor (7).

4. The fiber surface modification machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The passageway (2) is equipped with a temperature sensor (5) and / or a gas component sensor (6). The temperature sensor (5) and / or the gas component sensor (6) are connected to the control box (1) via signal input and are used for feedback regulation and control of the atomization system, the ionization system and the heating system.

5. The fiber surface modification machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The length of the passage (2) is 1000~5000 mm.

6. A method for modifying fiber surface using the fiber surface modifying machine according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The fiber is passed through the channel, and at least one of an atomization system, an ionization system, or a heating system is applied to modify the fiber surface.

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