Improving electret properties of PP filaments with barium titanate

Barium titanate (BaTiO3) containing polypropylene (PP) composite filaments were melt spun to modify polymer electrostatic charging characteristics. Sample filaments were charged with a corona instrument and their surface potentials were measured. Initial surface potential as well as potential stability was monitored through an accelerated decay procedure. It was found that both BaTiO3 concentration and charging temperature influence the charging characteristics of the fibers. When BaTiO3/PP composite filaments were charged at 130 °C, significant enhancements were observed when compared to samples charged at room temperature. The distribution of BaTiO3 particles within the filaments and changes in the crystal structure were also examined.