Development of the Melt Blowing Process for Microfiber Fabrication

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9313694 Shambaugh In the melt blowing process, a fine polymeric stream is extruded into a high-velocity gas stream. The force of the gas rapidly attenuates the polymer stream to diameters as fine as one micrometer or less. Melt blown fibers are used commercially in insulation, absorbent material, and filters. Based on fundamental momentum, continuity, and energy balance considerations, the research will develop a comprehensive model that describes the complex process of melt blowing. The objectives of the work are to (1) verify the model and use the model for optimization studies, (2) model and test oscillating melt blowing jets, and (3) model and test cold quench. The model, the jet oscillation technique, and the cold quench technique have applications beyond melt blowing. Many of the hundreds of commercial nonwoven processes--from papermaking to geotextile fabrication to the production of carpet backing--could benefit from the knowledge base developed in the work.