Fiber Innovations: From Production to Application > Textile Processing & Application

Investigation of Photopolymers for Reactive Spinning

Saal B
Freitag, 12.09.2025, 10:55 - 11:15 Uhr

Development and optimization of a reactive spinning process by studying photopolymers. Key processing parameters, including UV irradiation intensity, photo initiator concentration and rheological behaviour, significantly influence fiber morphology and mechanical properties.

Sprecher
Iris Kruppke (ITM TU Dresden)
Co-Authoren
Enrico Sommer (ITM TU Dresden), Chokri Cherif (ITM TU Dresden)
Photopolymers are a versatile class of materials that undergo controlled polymerisation when exposed to specific wavelengths of light, making them widely applicable in fields such as additive manufacturing, coatings and biomedical engineering. Their rapid curing behaviour, tunable mechanical properties and ability to form complex structures offer promising opportunities for fibre production. However, conventional fibre spinning techniques are primarily designed for thermoplastic or solution-based polymer systems, leaving a gap in the development of spinning processes specifically tailored for photopolymer-based materials. In order to evaluate the suitability of photopolymers for fibre formation, both conventional spinning investigations and rheological analyses were carried out. In addition, parameter studies were carried out focusing on the unique cross-linking mechanisms of photopolymers, such as the influence of UV irradiation intensity and cross-linker concentration. The effects of these parameters, together with spinning conditions, on the mechanical properties of the resulting fibres were also investigated to assess their potential for further processing into textile structures. In order to optimise the adaptation of photopolymers for fibre-based applications, preliminary investigations were carried out on filaments. The results revealed critical relationships between polymer composition, processing parameters and fibre properties, providing essential insights into the development of a viable reactive spinning technique. These results provide a basis for further development of fibre production using photopolymer-based materials, with potential applications in high performance textiles and novel composite structures.