Structure Development and Dynamic Properties in High-speed Spinning of High Molecular Weight PEN/PET Copolyester Fibers

The structure development and dynamic properties of fibers produced by high-speed spinning of P(EN-ET) random copolymers were investigated. The as-spun fibers were found to remain amorphous up to the spinning speed of 1500 m/min, and subsequent increases in speed resulted in the crystalline domains containing primarily $\alpha$ crystalline modification of PEN. The f modification was not found up to spinning speeds of 4500 m/min. On the other hand, annealing of constrained fibers spun at the 2100 m/min at 180,200, and 240^{\circ}C$ exhibited $\beta$-form crystalline structure, while the annealed fibers spun in 600-1500 m/min range exhibited dominantly $\alpha$-form. However $\beta$-form crystals disappeared above the spinning speed of 3000 m/min. With increasing spinning speeds from 600 to 4500 m/min, the storage modulus of as-spun fibers increased continuously and reached a value of about 10.4 spa at room temperature. The tan $\delta$curves showed the $\alpha$-relaxation peak at about 155-165^{\circ}C$, which is considered to correspond to the glass transition. The $\alpha$-relaxation peaks became smaller and broader, and shift to higher temperatures as the spinning speed increases, meaning that molecular mobility in the amorphous region is restricted by increased crystalline domain.