Thermoplastic Polyurethane Fiber Low Thermal Shrinkage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermoplastic polyurethane fibers exhibit high thermal shrinkage ratios and compromised recyclability due to the use of crosslinking agents, which are insufficient for diverse applications and reduce material benefits.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a molten extrusion process followed by a multi-stage extension process without a crosslinking agent, where the thermoplastic polyurethane material is melted and extruded into fibers, then subjected to initial and secondary extension steps at specific temperatures and ratios to reduce thermal shrinkage and enhance mechanical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a crosslinking agent is added to reduce thermal shrinkage ratio, then thermal shrinkage resistance is improved, but recyclability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the crosslinking agent from the fiber production system entirely. Instead of using chemical crosslinking agents that compromise recyclability, the invention relies on the inherent thermoplastic properties of polyurethane elastomers and physical extension processing to achieve low thermal shrinkage while maintaining full recyclability of the material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the processing parameters by controlling extension temperature and extension ratio during fiber production. By optimizing these physical parameters (extension temperature of 80-180°C and extension ratio less than 1), the invention achieves low thermal shrinkage without requiring chemical crosslinking agents, thus preserving recyclability.
2Strength
If a crosslinking agent is added to enhance mechanical properties, then strength is improved, but recyclability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the crosslinking agent from the system and instead uses controlled extension processing to achieve the desired mechanical properties. The extension process creates physical orientation and alignment of polymer chains that provide strength without compromising recyclability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces chemical crosslinking (chemical system) with mechanical extension processing (mechanical system) to achieve enhanced mechanical properties. The extension process physically aligns and orients the polymer structures, providing strength through mechanical means rather than chemical bonding, thereby preserving recyclability.
3Reliability
If conventional crosslinking methods are used to lower thermal shrinkage ratio, then thermal stability is improved, but the benefits are deficient for rigorous requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves superior thermal shrinkage control by optimizing extension temperature (80-180°C) and extension ratio (less than 1) parameters. This precise control of physical processing parameters enables the fiber to meet rigorous thermal shrinkage requirements without relying on crosslinking agents, achieving both low thermal shrinkage and full recyclability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method produces thermoplastic polyurethane fibers with thermal shrinkage ratios not exceeding 15% and improved recyclability, meeting application requirements while maintaining excellent mechanical properties without the need for crosslinking agents.
Implementation Method 1
A thermoplastic polyurethane material is firstly provided, and subjected to a molten extruding process to form a fiber material
Implementation Method 2
an extension process is performed to the fiber material to form the thermoplastic polyurethane fiber
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a thermoplastic polyurethane fiber and a method for producing the same. A thermoplastic polyurethane material is firstly provided and subjected to a molten extruding process to form a fiber material. Next, an extension process is performed to the fiber material to obtain the thermoplastic polyurethane fiber of the present invention. The thermoplastic polyurethane fiber has a lower thermal shrinking property, thereby meeting requirements of the application.