Tailoring the softness performance of polyethylene/polypropylene micro-nanofibrous fabrics for skin contacts

The softness of polypropylene (PP) fabrics, which is related to fiber properties and fabric structure, is a pivotal perception for their application in skin contacts. However, tailoring the softness of PP fabrics remains challenging. The effects of mixing different percentages of polyethylene (PE) and PP during the melt-blowing process on the polymer properties and morphology characteristics, including the softness, preparation, and characterization of the micro-nanofibrous fabrics were determined. Rheological tests and differential scanning calorimetry results showed that the addition of PE helped destroy the crystalline integrity of PP. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy images depicted a fluffy structure consisting of micro-nanofibers with average diameters ranging from 1.3 to 3.2 mu m. Furthermore, the softness scores ranged from 70.39 to 83.11 by changing the die temperature and PE mass ratio by applying a response surface model. Consequently, this micro-nanofibrous fabric may become a good material for skin contacts, such as baby diapers, feminine sanitary, and other personal hygiene uses.

Automated summary

This study investigates the softness of polypropylene fabrics and explores the effects of mixing polyethylene during the melt-blowing process on polymer properties and morphology characteristics. The addition of polyethylene helped to disrupt the crystalline integrity of polypropylene, resulting in a fluffy structure of micro-nanofibers with good softness. By adjusting the die temperature and polyethylene mass ratio, the softness of the fabric can be controlled efficiently.