Solution spinning process

Abstract

This invention discloses a process for producing a high modulus, high tenacity polyethylene terephthalate filament which comprises (1) spinning a solution of polyethylene terephthalate in an organic solvent through a die to produce a solution spun filament, wherein the polyethylene terephthalate has an intrinsic viscosity of at least about 3.0 dl/g and wherein the organic solvent is selected form the group consisting of (a) hexafluoroisopropanol, (b) trifluoroacetic acid, (c) mixed solvent systems containing from about 20 weight percent to about 99 weight percent hexafluoroisopropanol and from about 1 weight percent to about 80 weight percent dichloromethane, and (d) mixed solvent systems containing from about 20 weight percent to about 99 weight percent trifluoroacetic acid and from about 1 to about 80 weight percent dichloromethane; and (2) subsequently drawing the solution spun filament to a total draw ratio of at least about 7:1 to produce the high modulus, high tenacity polyethylene terephthalate filament. The filaments made by the process of this invention have better thermal stability, such as a lower thermal shrinkage and a higher melting point, than fibers made utilizing standard melt processing techniques.