Process for preparing polyamide fibers having improved properties

Abstract

A polyamide fiber excellent in strength, which comprises at least one of polycapramide, polyhexamethylene adipamide and polytetramethylene adipamide in an amount of not less than 60% by weight on the basis of the polyamide fiber and which is characterized by having a relative viscosity of not less than 2.3 and less than 3.5 (measured on a 96% by weight sulfuric acid solution having a polyamide concentration of 10 mg/ml at 20.degree. C.), an index of birefringence (.DELTA.n) (measured after 24 hours under the conditions of 30.degree. C. and 80% relative humidity) of not less than 55.times.10.sup.-3 and a tenacity of not less than 12.0 g/d. The method of preparing the noted polyamide fibers includes spinning of the polyamide to produce filaments, cooling the filaments, taking up the filaments to make an index of birefringence of 13.times.10.sup.-3 or less and drawing the filaments so taken up. The drawing includes transferring the filaments onto a first supply roller and then a second supply roller with the application of a pre-draft of less than 20% between the first and second supply rollers, transferring the resultant pre-drafted filaments onto a first draw roller and thereafter onto a second draw roller. Between the draw rollers a heating zone is maintained with a temperature gradient from low to high. The first draw roller is kept at a temperature of not lower than 100.degree. C. and the second draw roller is kept at a temperature of not lower than 200.degree. C. Also, super-heated steam from a jet nozzle at a temperature of not lower than 200.degree. C. is applied to the filaments transferred onto the first draw roller.