Toward Improved Drawability of Melt-Spun Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Filaments: A Review of Key Parameters from Molecular Structure to Processing Conditions.

The objective of this review is to gather elements of the scientific literature dealing with the drawability of Poly-(Ethylene Terephthalate) (PET) filaments obtained through the melt spinning process. This aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the parameters to be taken into consideration when manufacturing high strength or very fine filaments. The interest in producing such filaments can be justified both in economic terms, given the significant reduction in material consumption that it represents, and because such high strength and/or very fine filaments have specific properties that may be desirable. The drawability of filaments is a function of the nature and arrangement of the macromolecular chains within the filament, also called the internal network. Such an arrangement is directly shaped during the spinning process. It is therefore imperative to understand the links between process parameters and PET structuring from the perspective of maximizing drawability.