Ingeo fibers

Moisture Transport in Ingeo Fibers Non-Woven Fabrics. Ingeo Fibers Technical Bulletin 380904 (Source www.ingeofibers.com). 

Ingeo fiber-based fabric UV resistance. Technical Bulletin 370904 (source WWW. ingeofibers. com). 

Ingeo fiber v high-end polyester in duvet/comforter testing. Technical Bulletin 130904 (source www.ingeofibers.com). 

Poly(lactic acid), produced by Nature Works LLC, is another example for a hybrid process, in which the monomer, lactic acid is produced by fermentation of com using lactobacilli. The subsequent polymerization is accomplished either by anionic ring-opening polymerization of the lactide dimer, or more recently by an azeotropic dehydration condensation, a chemical process. Cargill Dow now has shown that the polylactic acid produced by it s subsidiary NatureWorks LLC, is fully competitive with its synthetic counterparts, and fibers can also be melt-spun from this polymer. These Ingeo fibers are world s first man made fiber made from 100% atmually renewable resources. [12]. 

Figure 10.9. Comparison of the impacts on climate change and non-renewable resources of Ingeo PLA fibers from Nature works and recycled PET [NAT]...

Vink ETH, Rabago KR, Glassner DA, Springs B, O Connor RP, Kolstad J. The sustainabiUty of NatureWorks polylactide polymers and Ingeo jK)lylactide fibers an update of the future. Macromol Biosci 2004 4 551-564. 

Kanebo, Inc. introduced a PLA fiber under the trade name Lactron M fiber at the February 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, under the theme of Fashion for the Earth . Kanebo exhibited several garments from PLA or PLA/natural fiber blends. More recently, in 2003, Cargill Dow LLC (now NatureWorks LLC) announced their PLA fiber brand Ingeo (ingredient from the earth). 

Natureworks. Ingeo Fibre Apparel Product Guidelines Fiber to Fabric. United States Natureworks 2006. 

Currently, NatureWorks is largest producer of PLA for domestic applications. NatureWorks employs lactide ring-opening polymerization for the mass production of 140,000 MT per year of PLA, which is branded as Ingeo . NatureWorks PLA is produced mainly for biodegradable packaging, containers, clothing, fibers, etc. Purac is the major producer of PLA for the biomedical and pharmaceutical industries. 

In related chemistry, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a polymer used in bottles and packaging, and it can also be made into a synthetic fiber (trade name Ingeo) used in clothing and carpets. 

Synthetic fibers for fabric manufacture are almost entirely petroleum-derived. Alternative polyesters such as poly(lactic acid) (Ingeo) can be made from vegetable matter—com initially, but eventually from the starch that may be extracted from otherwise unusable plant residues (stalks, straws, etc.). The preparation of such polyesters is estimated to use two-thirds less fossil fuel than conventional fiber manufacture, and the process emits 80-90% less greenhouse gas. 

Ingeo garments made from corn sugar fibers hit the world of fashion. 

Ingeo is a fiber blended with other fibers such as cotton and used in clothing. It is prized for its ability to wick away perspiration. 

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