Polylactic acid (PLA) is a novel bio based and renewable degradation material made from starch raw materials derived from renewable plant resources such as corn and cassava.
Starch raw materials are saccharified to obtain glucose, which is then fermented with certain strains to produce high-purity lactic acid. PLA corn fiber non-woven fabric is then chemically synthesized to synthesize a certain molecular weight of polylactic acid. It has good biodegradability. After use, under specific conditions, it can be completely degraded by microorganisms in nature, producing carbon dioxide and water without polluting the environment. This is very beneficial for protecting the environment. PLA non-woven fabric is considered an environmentally friendly material.
Polylactic acid fiber is made from starchy agricultural products such as corn, wheat, and sugar beets, which are fermented to produce lactic acid, and then shrunk and melted by spinning. Polylactic acid fiber is a synthetic fiber that can be planted and is easy to grow. Waste can be naturally degraded in nature.
The properties of polylactic acid fibers
Biodegradable performance
Polylactic acid fiber raw materials are abundant and recyclable. Polylactic acid fibers have good biodegradability and can be completely decomposed into carbon dioxide and H2O in nature after being discarded. Both can become raw materials for lactic acid starch through photosynthesis. After 2-3 years in soil, the strength of PLA fibers will disappear. If buried together with other organic waste, it will decompose within a few months. In addition, polylactic acid is hydrolyzed into lactic acid by acid or enzymes in the human body. Lactic acid is a metabolic product of cells and can be further metabolized by enzymes to produce carbon dioxide and water. Therefore, polylactic acid fibers also have good biocompatibility.
Moisture absorption performance
PLA fibers have good moisture absorption and conductivity, similar to degradability. The moisture absorption performance is also related to the morphology and structure of fibers. The longitudinal surface of PLA fibers has irregular spots and discontinuous stripes, pores or cracks, which can easily form capillary effects and exhibit good core absorption, moisturizing and water diffusion properties.
Other performance
It has low flammability and certain flame retardancy; The dyeing performance is worse than ordinary textile fibers, not resistant to acid and alkali, and easy to hydrolyze. During the dyeing process, special attention should be paid to the influence of acidity and alkalinity; Strong tolerance to ultraviolet radiation, but prone to photodegradation; After 500 hours of outdoor exposure, the strength of PLA fibers can be maintained at around 55% and have good weather resistance.
The raw material for the production of polylactic acid fiber (PLA) is lactic acid, which is made from corn starch, so this type of fiber is also called corn fiber. It can be made by fermenting sugar beets or grains with glucose to reduce the cost of preparing lactic acid polymers. High molecular weight polylactic acid can be obtained through chemical polymerization of lactic acid cyclic dimers or direct polymerization of lactic acid.
The characteristics of polylactic acid fibers
Products made from polylactic acid have good biocompatibility, bioabsorbability, antibacterial and flame retardancy, and PLA has heat resistance in degradable thermoplastic polymers.
Polylactic acid fiber can be decomposed into carbon dioxide and water in soil or seawater. When burned, it does not release toxic gases and does not cause pollution. It is a sustainable ecological fiber. Its fabric feels good, has good drape, is resistant to UV rays, has low flammability, and excellent processing performance. It is suitable for various fashion, leisure clothing, sports goods, and hygiene products, and has broad application prospects.
Applications of polylactic acid fibers
Physical properties of PLA corn fiber non woven fabric
Especially in the field of biomedicine, it has broad application prospects in the following four aspects.
1. Surgical suture
Polylactic acid fibers (PLA) and their copolymers can be used as surgical sutures to promote wound healing and subsequent degradation and absorption, as they have biodegradability and absorbability in vivo. The expected surgical suture data should have strong initial stretching
The co degradation rate of intensity and wound healing time.
In recent years, discussions have mainly focused on the composition of high molecular weight polylactic acid, improvement of suture processing technology, and enhancement of suture mechanical strength; The composition of photoactive polymers PDLA and PLLA is more suitable for surgical sutures, as semi crystalline PDLA and PLLA have higher mechanical strength, greater tensile ratio, and lower shortening rate than amorphous PDLA; Multi functional suture planning.
2. Internal fixed equipment
PLA non-woven fabric can be used to enhance polylactic acid, greatly improving the initial strength of fixed materials.
3. Arrange engineering materials
Polylactic acid fibers can be used as materials for weaving or arranging engineering supports. By adjusting the microenvironment of the scaffold, cell growth and function can be controlled, and then transplantable arrangements, components, or in vitro devices can be announced to achieve the goal of correcting and reconstructing missing functions.
4. Periodontal regeneration film
Periodontal membrane is a device for guiding and arranging regeneration. It uses a membrane as a barrier to avoid and control the contact between the gum and the appearance of the tooth root, freeing up space for the growth of periosteal ligaments and/or alveolar bone cells, thereby achieving the recovery effect of periodontal disease. Using polylactic acid fibers as raw materials, weave periodontal regeneration sheets for human absorption.
5. Neural conduit
6. Other
Due to its outstanding mechanical properties and biodegradability, polylactic acid fibers can be used as diapers, gauze tapes, and disposable work clothes. Their waste can be differentiated within 6 months after being buried in the soil.
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Post time: Jun-13-2024