Polymer-based fibres being extruded.

Bi-component fibre extrusion

The process of bi-component fibre extrusion to create new advanced fibres is illustrated in this video suite of slides. (1:27)

• 15 March 2010 | Updated 14 October 2011

Fibre extrusion

1. Fibre extrusion
2. from polymer pellets to fibres
3. Bi-component fibres exploit capabilities not existing in either of the two polymers and thereby offer fibres with several new features
4. The bicomponent fibre process begins with a multilevel extrusion facility
5. consisting of two separate extruder lines
6. These transport polymers in a molten state
7. Both lines converge at the spin pack
8. the polymers are divided into multiple streams by the distribution plates
9. and combine as they pass through the multifilament spinneret
10. Polymer to polymer ratio is controlled through adjustment of the spin pumps
11. After a transverse air quench the multifilament bundle is coated with spin finish
12. to decrease friction during filament drawing
13. Drawing occurs using a series of heated rollers
14. The new bicomponent fibres are then wound at high speed
15. onto bobbins
16. and stored for end use
17. We can appreciate the nature of these fibres by viewing a cross section
18. This is the ‘citrus formation’
19. Many other formations can be produced.