Preparation and Morphological Characteristics of m-Aramid Fibrid Using a Non-solvent of Ethanol

Fibrids are materials of a complex fibrous, film-like, or intermediate form. The diameter of the particles varies between $20-50{\mu}m$, and $100-10,000{\mu}m$. The optimal form and size of the particles depends in each case on the area of application. The fibrid form is the result of two processes, viz. a wave process and diffusion. The life span and break-up pattern of the polymer depend on the interphase surface tension, the viscosity of the polymer, and the diffusion speed ratio of the polymer and medium. In this study, m-aramid was polymerized at low temperature and in solution with an equal molar ratio of MPD and IPC in DMAc. The meta-aramid solution was prepared by dissolution in DMAc, and ethanol was used as a coagulation bath. The rotation speed was the main factor affecting the formation and morphology of the fibrid. Meta-aramid paper was produced from m-aramid fiber with meta-aramid fibrid by wet laying. The results showed that fibrid particle sizes decreased with increasing rotation speeds and decreasing concentrations of m-aramid in the solution. The properties of the m-aramid fibrid as a function of the processing conditions were investigated using an image analyzer, optical microscopy, and SEM. The resulting meta-aramid paper was analyzed in terms of its morphology, thickness, air permeability, and mechanical properties.