@article{machikiti_pourdeyhimi_dasdemir_genzer_efimenko_2025, title={Investigation of Adhesion in Extruded PET/PA Bicomponent Polymer Systems}, volume={1}, ISSN={["2637-6105"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1021/acsapm.4c00262}, DOI={10.1021/acsapm.4c00262}, abstractNote={Adhesion plays a critical role in the formation of intricate multicomponent fiber morphologies, which has become a standard in the manufacturing of nonwoven mats. In this study, we investigate the effect of the introduction of an interfacial modifier comprising poly(octadecene-alt-maleic anhydride) (POMA) into poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and various polyamides (PA) (i.e., PA66, PA6, PA12, and PA12) during the extrusion process of nonwoven bicomponent fibers and bicomponent polymer films by utilizing a specially designed die setup. The asymmetric double cantilever beam and peel tests were used to quantify the effect of modifier addition on the fracture energy between PET and PAs during the extrusion. The study examined various fiber production operating conditions (temperature, throttle pressure, and POMA concentration) and composition feed of polymer pairs, observing consistent trends in fracture energy reduction. We established that during the fiber extrusion process, POMA rapidly segregates to the PET/PA interface and interferes with the formation of amide bonds between extruded polymers, reducing adhesion for all tested modifier concentrations. Additionally, the mechanical properties of the extruded fibers remained unaffected by the presence of POMA. These findings hold significant implications for researchers and practitioners in the packaging, automotive, and medical industries, aiding the design of optimal fiber production processes.}, journal={ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS}, author={Machikiti, Zvikomborero and Pourdeyhimi, Behnam and Dasdemir, Mehmet and Genzer, Jan and Efimenko, Kirill}, year={2025}, month={Jan} }