Application of PLA Fibers

PLA offers unique features of biodegradability, thermoplastic processibility and ecofiiendliness that offer potential applications as commodity plastics as in packaging, agricultural products and disposable materials. On the other hand, the polymer also has a bright future for applications in medicine, smgery and pharmaceuticals. The fundamental polymer chemistry of PLA allows control of certain fiber properties that make the fiber suitable for a wide variety of technical textile fiber applications, especially for apparel and performance apparel applications  

PLA fibers offer sustainability, resilience, dyeability, comfort, softness, strength, 210 

In Japan four companies, namely, Kanebo Gohsen Ltd., Unitika Fibers Ltd., Kuraray Co. Ltd. and Mitsubishi Plastics Inc. are receiving a supply of PLA resins from Nature Works. Of the four, the first three companies are synthetic fiber producers. 

Unitika has been marketing PLA products in a wide range of areas including 

Future plans call for extracting dextrose fi om other plant sources such as sugar beets, wheat, rice and other products containing cellulose. Worldwide production is an implication of this renewable resource-a boon for farmers aroimd the globe. A major new market for producers of agriculture crops is created, securing an emplojnnent base for rural workers [9]. 

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PLA fibers are not only biodegradable but also highly functional due to their intrinsic properties such as bacteriostatic, flame-retardant, and weathering resistance [3, 4], when compared with conventional poly(ethylene terephthal-ate) (PET) fibers. In this chapter, biodegradation mechanism, the key performance features, and potential applications of PLA fiber/nonwoven products are discussed [5, 6]. 

Many fiber manufacturers, in collaboration with their customers, have been developing market applications for PLA fibers. Government efforts will drive further market acceptance, because PLA is viewed as an alternative material to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The following sections discuss various applications of PLA fibers and the specific properties related to these applications. 

The unique features of PLA fibers offer distinct benefits in the fields of geotextiles and agricultural/horticultural applications... 

PLA has been used as package materials and other products However, the physical properties of PLA such as brittleness limit the application of PLA. A way to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of PLA is the addition of fibers or nanofiller materials. 

In addition to other liquid filters for juice, liquor, wine, oil, or wastewater, air filters for air conditioning or cleaning are also potential applications for PLA fibers and nonwovens. The use of PLA fiber for air filter application as an antibac-terial/antifungal material provides benefit for management of sanitary wastes. 

Since the development of PLA fibers is still in its early stages compared to conventional synthetic fibers, its commercial viability in replacing petroleum-based synthetic fibers has been fimited. However, the unique inherent properties of PLA fibers are promising for many applications in the textile... 

PLA fiber combines the most desired properties of natural fibers, such as wool, and synthetics, such as polyester. This combination of properties opens up a wealth of textile applications including clothing, carpet tiles, diapers/acquisition distribution layers, upholstery, furnishings, and filtration. PLA has a high dyeability, and in comparison with polyester in activewear, it displays superior wicking properties. 

Schmack et al. [126] spun PLA fibers through the reactive extrusion polymerization of L-lactide (92 wt%) and meso-lactide (8 wt%). In many potential textile technological applications (e.g., for nonwoven materials) the fiber forming process is of general importance. An effective polymer synthesis requires also an effective spinning process to reduce the still high cost of the PLA fibers compared with those of established synthetic fibers. 

Both woven and nonwoven fabrics made from PLA fibers are being considered for automobile cabin parts applications. Toyota has already employed a new type of spare-tire box cover using Kenaf/PLA board, which is manufactured by heat compression molding of a Kenaf/PLA (weight-based blend ratio 7/3) fiber web... 

Polylactic acid is likely to have significant future potential in a variety of applications due to specific advantages compared with conventional petroleum-based polymers. The cost-performance balance of PLA has resulted in its use in many applications, including packaging, fibers, and medicals. The use of PLA as an alternative to petroleum-based polymers will increase demand for agricultural products such as corn and sugar beets, and is an advanced example of sustainable technology. 

Three parts are covered in the chapter. First, the synthesis and properties of PLA are described. The modification and process of PLA are also discussed. Then, the composites with PLA as matrix and natural fiber or nanoparticles as reinforcement are reported in the second part. The processing and the properties of the composites are also given. The interface between PLA and the reinforcement and the surface treatment methods are discussed. Finally, the application and the development of PLA and PLA-based composites in the future are proposed. 

Table 4 BeneficieJ characteristics of PLA for packaging and fiber applications ...

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