Bi-component fibers are traditionally made using two polymers that can both be melt-processed. Using a melt-extrusion fiber coating system, it possible to extrusion coat any fiber, thread or yarn with another polymer (that can melt) to expand on the variety of bi-component fibers. This research addresses preparation of thermally stable blends of Soy with Polyethylene (PE) and Polylactic acid (PLA) using compatibilizing additives and then using these blends to melt-extrusion coat cotton yarns to obtain bio-based bi-component fibers. The PE/Soy and PLA/Soy blends were characterized using thermal and rheological analysis. Process parameters pertaining to yarn coating were also optimized to achieve the desired coating thickness. These novel bi-component fibers were molded to obtain structures that will be used as geo-synthetics.
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