Fluffy treatment method of synthetic fiber and fluffy fiber

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of textiles, and particularly relates to a fluffy treatment method of synthetic fibers, fluffy fibers and application. The fluffy treatment method for the synthetic fibers comprises the following steps: performing steam explosion treatment on the synthetic fibers to obtain fluffy fibers. Synthetic fibers are modified through a steam explosion technology, the internal structure of the fibers can be changed through quick release of high-pressure steam, the steam can penetrate into the microporous structure of the fibers under high pressure, and when the pressure is suddenly released, the steam is rapidly expanded, so that the structures of the fibers are loose, and then higher filling power and softness are formed; according to the process, physical characteristics such as the filling power of the fibers can be improved, the filling power and the softness of the fibers are similar to those of down feather, dependence on chemical reagents is reduced, and good environment friendliness is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of textiles, and in particular to a method for fluffing synthetic fibers, fluffy fibers, and applications. Background Art

[0002] In order to meet people's needs for clothing, decoration, industry and special fields, people have developed synthetic fibers. Synthetic fibers refer to chemical fibers made from low molecular weight compounds made from coal, petroleum, natural gas, agricultural and sideline products, etc., which are transformed into high molecular weight compounds, i.e. polymers, through a series of chemical reactions. There are many types of synthetic fibers, and common synthetic fibers include polyester fibers (commonly known as "polyester"), polyamide fibers (commonly known as "nylon", "nylon", etc.), polyacrylonitrile fibers (commonly known as "acrylic"), polyvinyl chloride fibers (commonly known as "chlorofiber"), polyvinyl alcohol acetal fibers (commonly known as "vinylon", "vinylon", etc.), polyurethane fibers (commonly known as "spandex"), etc. Synthetic fibers have the advantages of being strong and wear-resistant, chemically resistant, high in strength, easy to process, not easy to shrink, and resistant to mildew and moth, and are widely used in clothing, household textiles and other fields.

[0003] In the textile industry, the bulkiness of fiber materials is one of the important factors affecting product quality. As an important indicator for measuring fiber quality, bulkiness has a significant impact on the comfort and warmth of the product. Bulkiness refers to the ratio of the volume of the expanded fiber material to the original volume under specific conditions. The higher the bulkiness, the larger the gap between the fibers, the weaker the interaction between the fibers, the easier it is to separate the fibers, and the better the softness of the fibers. Bulkiness is one of the important indicators for measuring the softness, elasticity and breathability of fiber materials.

[0004] However, the bulkiness of synthetic fibers needs to be further improved. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a fluffy processing method for synthetic fibers, fluffy fibers and applications, so as to further improve the fluffiness of the synthetic fibers.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the scheme of this application is as follows: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for fluffing synthetic fibers, the method comprising the following steps: subjecting the synthetic fibers to a steam flash explosion treatment to obtain fluffy fibers.

[0007] Optionally, the synthetic fiber is a shaped fiber.

[0008] Optionally, the cross-sectional shape of the synthetic fiber is selected from a trilobal shape, a cross shape or a Y shape.

[0009] Optionally, the synthetic fiber is a hollow fiber.

[0010] Optionally, the synthetic fiber is selected from polyester fiber, polyamide fiber or polyacrylonitrile fiber.

[0011] Optionally, the temperature of the steam explosion treatment is 160-200°C, preferably 170-200°C; the pressure of the steam explosion treatment is 1.5-3.0MPa, preferably 1.6-2.0MPa; the duration of the steam explosion treatment is 2-10min, preferably 3-10min.

[0012] Optionally, before the steam explosion treatment, a pretreatment is also included, and the pretreatment is selected from at least one of alkali solution treatment, plasma treatment and water washing.

[0013] Optionally, the alkali solution is selected from sodium hydroxide solution, potassium hydroxide solution or a combination of the two.

[0014] Optionally, the concentration of the alkali solution is 15wt%-20wt%, preferably 18wt%-20wt%.

[0015] Optionally, the duration of the alkali solution treatment is 2-5 min, preferably 3-5 min.

[0016] Optionally, the frequency of the plasma is 15-20 kHz, preferably 16-20 kHz.

[0017] Optionally, during the water washing process, the temperature of the water used is 90-95°C, preferably 92-95°C.

[0018] In a second aspect, the present application also provides a fluffy fiber prepared according to the method as described above.

[0019] In a second aspect, the present application also provides the fluffy fiber prepared according to the method as described above or the use of the fluffy fiber as described above in warm clothing, bedding and outdoor equipment.

[0020] Beneficial effects of the present invention: The present application modifies synthetic fibers through steam flash explosion technology, and can change the internal structure of the fibers through the rapid release of high-pressure steam. Under high pressure, the steam can penetrate into the microporous structure of the fibers. When the pressure is suddenly released, the steam expands rapidly, loosening the structure of the fibers and thus forming a higher fluffiness and softness. This process not only helps to improve the physical properties of the fibers, such as fluffiness, so that the fibers obtain fluffiness and softness similar to down, but also reduces dependence on chemical reagents and has good environmental friendliness.

[0021] The present application adopts alkali solution treatment, plasma treatment, water washing and other methods to pre-treat the synthetic fibers, which can change the surface structure and chemical properties of the fibers, making the fibers easier to react with high-pressure steam, thereby obtaining a more significant expansion effect during the steam flash explosion process.

[0022] The fluffy fiber prepared by the method of the present application can be used in high-end thermal clothing, bedding and outdoor equipment, giving the products better thermal insulation effect and lighter weight. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention are described clearly and completely below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for fluffing synthetic fibers, the method comprising the following steps: The synthetic fiber is subjected to steam flash explosion treatment for 2-10 minutes at a temperature of 160-200° C. and a pressure of 1.5-3.0 MPa to obtain fluffy fiber, wherein the synthetic fiber is a shaped fiber, the cross-sectional shape of the synthetic fiber is selected from a trilobal shape, a cross shape or a Y shape, or the synthetic fiber is a hollow fiber, and the synthetic fiber is selected from a polyester fiber, a polyamide fiber or a polyacrylonitrile fiber; During the steam flash explosion process, high-temperature and high-pressure steam quickly penetrates the internal structure of the fiber, causing the fiber to expand when the pressure is released instantaneously, forming a loose structure similar to down, thereby increasing the fluffiness of the fiber.

[0025] In another embodiment of the present invention, before the steam explosion treatment, it also includes a pretreatment, which is selected from at least one of alkali solution treatment, plasma treatment and water washing, the alkali solution is selected from sodium hydroxide solution, potassium hydroxide solution or a combination of the two, the concentration of the alkali solution is 15wt%-20wt%, and the duration of the alkali solution treatment is 2-5min; the frequency of the plasma is 15-20kHz; the pretreatment can change the surface structure and chemical properties of the fiber, making the fiber easier to react with high-pressure steam, thereby obtaining a more significant expansion effect during the steam explosion process, wherein the alkali solution treatment can remove some impurities and oligomers on the surface of the fiber, increase the surface area and reaction activity of the fiber, thereby making the fiber easier to expand in the subsequent steam explosion treatment; etching the fiber surface by plasma can effectively increase the roughness and surface area of ​​the fiber surface, and introduce polar functional groups on the fiber surface to enhance the hydrophilicity of the fiber and the ability to interact with steam, so that the fiber has a higher fluffiness after the steam explosion treatment; high temperature can remove grease and impurities on the fiber surface, increase the surface area of ​​the fiber, thereby making the fiber easier to expand in the subsequent steam explosion treatment.

[0026] Another embodiment of the present application also provides a fluffy fiber prepared according to the method as described above.

[0027] Another embodiment of the present application also provides the fluffy fiber prepared according to the method as described above or the use of the fluffy fiber as described above in warm clothing, bedding and outdoor equipment.

[0028] In the following description, numerous details are discussed to provide a more thorough explanation of embodiments of the present invention; however, it is apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0029] Example 1 A fluffy processing method for polyester fiber, the specific steps are as follows: A polyester fiber with a trilobal cross-section (commercially available) was placed in a steam explosion device and treated for 5 minutes at a steam temperature of 180°C and a steam pressure of 2.0 MPa. During the steam explosion treatment, the high-temperature and high-pressure steam quickly penetrated the internal structure of the fiber, causing the fiber to expand when the pressure was released instantly, forming a loose structure similar to down, thereby improving the fluffiness of the fiber; The polyester fiber after the steam flash explosion treatment is washed and then dried to ensure that the fiber reaches a stable state, thereby obtaining fluffy polyester fiber.

[0030] Example 2 A fluffy processing method for polyester fiber, the specific steps are as follows: A polyester fiber with a hollow structure (commercially available) was placed in a steam flash explosion device and treated for 4 min at a steam temperature of 170°C and a steam pressure of 1.5 MPa; The polyester fiber treated with steam flash explosion is washed and then dried to ensure that the fiber reaches a stable state, thereby obtaining fluffy polyester fiber. The fiber structure after steam flash explosion treatment is relatively mild and can be used as a lightweight filling material.

[0031] Example 3 A fluffy processing method for polyester fiber, the specific steps are as follows: A polyester fiber with a cross-shaped cross section (commercially available) was placed in a steam flash explosion device and treated for 6 minutes at a steam temperature of 200°C and a steam pressure of 3.0 MPa. Under the conditions of high temperature and high pressure, the fiber was subjected to a violent action, resulting in a significant expansion effect. The polyester fiber after the steam flash explosion treatment is washed and then dried to ensure that the fiber reaches a stable state, thereby obtaining fluffy polyester fiber.

[0032] Example 4 A fluffy processing method for polyacrylonitrile fiber, the specific steps are as follows: The polyacrylonitrile fiber (commercially available) with a trilobal cross-section was placed in a steam flash explosion device and treated for 10 minutes at a steam temperature of 180°C and a steam pressure of 2.0 MPa. Under the conditions of high temperature and high pressure, the fiber was subjected to a violent action, resulting in a significant expansion effect. The long-term treatment can fully expand the microstructure inside the fiber, while still maintaining a certain strength. The polyacrylonitrile fiber after the steam flash explosion treatment is washed and then dried to ensure that the fiber reaches a stable state, thereby obtaining fluffy polyacrylonitrile fiber.

[0033] Example 5 A fluffy processing method for polyester fiber, the specific steps are as follows: A Y-shaped polyester fiber (commercially available) was placed in a steam flash explosion device and treated for 2 min at a steam temperature of 180°C and a steam pressure of 2.0 MPa; The polyester fiber after the steam flash explosion treatment is washed and then dried to ensure that the fiber reaches a stable state, thereby obtaining fluffy polyester fiber.

[0034] Example 6 A fluffy processing method for polyester fiber, the specific steps are as follows: A polyester fiber (commercially available) with a hollow structure (commercially available) was placed in a steam flash explosion device and treated for 5 min at a steam temperature of 160°C and a steam pressure of 2.0 MPa; The polyester fiber after the steam flash explosion treatment is washed and then dried to ensure that the fiber reaches a stable state, thereby obtaining fluffy polyester fiber.

[0035] Example 7 A fluffy processing method for polyamide fiber, the specific steps are as follows: A trilobal polyamide fiber (commercially available) was placed in a steam flash explosion device and treated for 6 minutes at a steam temperature of 190°C and a steam pressure of 2.5 MPa. The high pressure and high temperature treatment caused the polyamide fiber to expand and form a loose structure while maintaining the flexibility of the fiber. The polyamide fiber after the steam flash explosion treatment is washed and then dried to ensure that the fiber reaches a stable state, thereby obtaining fluffy polyamide fiber.

[0036] Example 8 A fluffy processing method for polyester fiber, the specific steps are as follows: A polyester fiber (commercially available) with a cross-shaped cross section was placed in a steam flash explosion device and treated for 5 minutes at a steam temperature of 185°C and a steam pressure of 2.2 MPa. The high pressure and high temperature treatment caused the polyester fiber to expand to form a loose structure while maintaining the flexibility of the fiber. The polyester fiber after the steam flash explosion treatment is washed and then dried to ensure that the fiber reaches a stable state, thereby obtaining fluffy polyester fiber.

[0037] Example 9 The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 1 is that before the polyester fiber is subjected to the steam flash explosion treatment, the polyester fiber with a trilobal cross-section (commercially available) is placed in a sodium hydroxide solution with a concentration of 18 wt % for 3 min.

[0038] Example 10 The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 3 is that before the polyester fiber is subjected to the steam flash explosion treatment, the polyester fiber (commercially available) having a cross-shaped cross section is treated with plasma at a frequency of 19 kHz for 2 minutes.

[0039] Embodiment 11 The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 3 is that before the polyester fiber is subjected to steam flash explosion treatment, the polyester fiber with a cross-shaped cross section is placed in a sodium hydroxide solution with a concentration of 15wt% for 5 minutes, and then washed with hot water at a temperature of 95°C.

[0040] Performance Testing The fluffiness of the fluffy fibers prepared in Examples 1-11 was tested using a KST205-II down fluffiness tester in accordance with GB / T10288-2016 Test Method for Down and Feathers. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0041] Table 1 Fluffiness test results

[0042] As can be seen from Table 1, the bulkiness of the fluffy fibers of Examples 1-11 is ≥ 260 in³. The results show that the present application modifies the synthetic fibers through steam flash explosion technology, and can change the internal structure of the fibers through the rapid release of high-pressure steam. Under high pressure, the steam can penetrate into the microporous structure of the fibers. When the pressure is suddenly released, the steam expands rapidly, making the fiber structure loose, thereby forming a higher bulkiness and softness. This process not only helps to improve the physical properties of the fibers such as bulkiness, so that the fibers obtain bulkiness and softness similar to down, but also reduces the dependence on chemical reagents and has good environmental friendliness.

[0043] As shown in Table 1, compared with Example 1 (no alkali solution was used to pretreat the fiber), the bulkiness of the fluffy fiber of Example 9 (pretreating the fiber with alkali solution) was significantly improved. Compared with Example 3 (no pretreatment of the fiber), the bulkiness of the fluffy fiber of Example 10 (pretreating the fiber with plasma) and Example 11 (pretreating the fiber with alkali solution and high-temperature hot water) was significantly improved. The results show that in the present application, the pretreatment can change the surface structure and chemical properties of the fiber, making the fiber easier to react with high-pressure steam, thereby obtaining a more significant expansion effect during the steam explosion process, wherein the alkali solution treatment can remove some impurities and oligomers on the fiber surface, increase the surface area and reaction activity of the fiber, thereby making the fiber easier to expand in the subsequent steam explosion treatment; etching the fiber surface by plasma can effectively increase the roughness and surface area of ​​the fiber surface, and introduce polar functional groups on the fiber surface, thereby enhancing the hydrophilicity of the fiber and its ability to interact with steam, so that the fiber has a higher fluffiness after the steam explosion treatment; high temperature can remove grease and impurities on the fiber surface, increase the surface area of ​​the fiber, thereby making the fiber easier to expand in the subsequent steam explosion treatment.

[0044] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone familiar with the technology may modify or change the above embodiments without violating the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or changes made by those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field without departing from the spirit and technical ideas disclosed by the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for fluffing synthetic fibers, characterized in that: The fluffy treatment method comprises the following steps: performing steam flash explosion treatment on the synthetic fiber to obtain fluffy fiber.

2. The fluffy processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The synthetic fibers are shaped fibers.

3. The fluffy processing method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cross-sectional shape of the synthetic fiber is selected from a trilobal shape, a cross shape or a Y shape; And / or, the synthetic fiber is a hollow fiber.

4. The fluffy processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The synthetic fibers are selected from polyester fibers, polyamide fibers or polyacrylonitrile fibers.

5. The fluffy processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature of the steam explosion treatment is 160-200° C., the pressure of the steam explosion treatment is 1.5-3.0 MPa, and the duration of the steam explosion treatment is 2-10 min.

6. The fluffy processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Before the steam explosion treatment, a pretreatment is also included, and the pretreatment is selected from at least one of alkali solution treatment, plasma treatment and water washing.

7. The fluffing treatment method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The alkali solution is selected from sodium hydroxide solution, potassium hydroxide solution or a combination of the two; And / or, the concentration of the alkali solution is 15wt%-20wt%.

8. The fluffing treatment method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The duration of the alkali solution treatment is 2-5 minutes;. And / or, the frequency of the plasma is 15-20 kHz; And / or, during the water washing process, the temperature of the water used is 90-95°C.

9. A fluffy fiber obtained according to the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Use of the fluffy fiber prepared according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 8 or the fluffy fiber according to claim 9 in warm clothing, bedding and outdoor equipment.

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