Abstract: PLA/PAE blended fibers were prepared by melt spinning. The cross section and the thermal, crystallization and mechanical properties of the blended fibers were explored. Results showed that PAE elastomer had good dispersibility, and a two-phase separation appeared in the blend system. With the increase of PAE elastomer content, the crystallinity of the blended fiber increased, and there was an interaction between PLA and PAE. The breaking strength, elongation at break and work at break of the 4.8 times drawn blended fiber all increased first and then decreased. When the PAE elastomer content was 10%, the mechanical properties of the 4.8 times drawn blended fiber was the best. Its breaking strength was increased by 45.5%, the elongation at break and the work at break were increased by 10.2% and 43.6%, respectively.

Key words: polylactic acid; polyamide elastomer; blended fibers; melt spinning