| Abstract: | Multifilament nylon-6 fibers are drawn by the novel incremental drawing process as well as by the conventional drawing process. In this process the fibers are stretched in 36 stages along the surface of two corotating cones fitted on the incremental drawing machine. Fibers are obtained from each stage, and from their diameter measurements it is shown that they are stretched in a predicted manner. Mechanical properties, as measured by Instron and by a sonic modulus tester, show higher tenacity and modulus values for the incremental process than for the conventional one at equivalent draw ratios. Structural properties are analyzed by density measurements, wide angle X-ray diffraction and birefringence. These showed higher crystallinity and higher crystalline as well as amorphous orientation factors for the incremental process at equivalent draw ratios. The mechanical property results are explained on the basis of structural development during drawing. It has been shown that the incremental drawing process is a suitable technique for obtaining superior properties in fibers and has commercial potential. |
