Preparation and properties of an aromatic polyamide fibre derived from a bio-based furan acid chloride

A high-molecular-weight aromatic polyamide resin incorporating furan-rings (f-resin) was prepared by low-temperature solution polycondensation of bio-based 2,5-furandiformyl chloride and 3,4′-diaminodiphenyl ether, in N,N-dimethylacetamide. Further, an aromatic polyamide fibre containing furan-rings (f-fibre) was obtained from the fresin by dry-jet wet spinning, and its structure and properties were investigated. The prepared f-resin showed good solubility and possessed good spinnability in solution. The mechanical, heat-resistance, and flame-retardant properties of the f-fibre were found to be excellent – comparable to or exceeding those of meta-aramid fibre (m-fibre). In addition, the furan acid chloride monomer is bio-based and is derived from abundant resources, unlike petroleum-based monomers. Therefore, f-fibre has good potential and broad application prospects as an environment-friendly and sustainable high-performance material.

Structural aspects of high modulus aromatic polyamide fibres

The molecular and supramolecular structures of an aromatic polyamide fibre (Kevlar 49) have been investigated by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. As a result, the main features of the fibre have now been defined. An attempt has been made to relate these findings to the exceptional mechanical properties.