Melamine formaldehyde/polyvinyl alcohol composite fiber: Structure and properties manipulated by hydroxymethylation degree

Composite fibers made of different hydroxymethylation degree (HMD) melamine formaldehyde (MF) resins and polyvinyl alcohol were prepared by wet spinning. The structures of MF resins and composite fibers were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, and Kjeldahl. The fibers' mechanical properties, fire retardant properties, softening point in hot water, and thermal stability were also tested. Results show that with the increase of HMD, the compatibility between MF and PVA gets better; the breaking strength and thermal stability of the fibers increase, while the nitrogen-loss rate, the elongation at break, and SP decrease. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40678.