What are the core characteristics of polylactic acid fibers
source:
www.artisanleather.com.cn | Release time:2025-09-03
The core characteristics of polylactic acid fiber (PLA fiber) revolve around two dimensions: "environmental attributes" and "practical performance". It is different from traditional petroleum based fibers and meets basic application needs. Specifically, it can be summarized into the following four points:
1. Renewable and environmentally friendly (core advantages)
The raw materials are sourced from renewable biomass resources (such as corn, wheat, sugarcane and other starchy crops), without relying on oil, reducing the consumption of fossil fuels from the source, in line with the trend of "green and low-carbon";
Degradation without environmental burden: Under specific composting conditions (temperature 55-70 ℃, humidity 60% -80%, microbial action), it can be completely degraded into carbon dioxide and water within 1-2 years, and the degraded carbon can be absorbed by plant photosynthesis, forming a "carbon cycle" and avoiding the long-term pollution problem of traditional plastic fibers (such as polyester).
2. Biodegradability (key differentiation characteristics)
The molecular structure contains ester bonds that are easily decomposed by microorganisms, which distinguishes it from difficult to degrade fibers such as polyester. Even in natural environments (soil, seawater), although the degradation rate is slow, there are no toxic residues, making it particularly suitable for scenarios such as disposable products (masks, wet wipes) that require harmless treatment after short-term use.
3. Adapt to the practical performance of textiles
Having the basic functions of textile fibers, balancing environmental protection and user experience:
Hand feel and comfort: Soft and skin friendly, similar to cotton or silk, with better breathability and moisture absorption than polyester, suitable for underwear, T-shirts, home textiles and other close fitting/daily necessities;
Basic strength and durability: It has certain tensile strength and washability (not easily deformed when washed below 40 ℃), which can meet daily wearing needs;
Additional features: It comes with weak acidity (derived from lactic acid molecules), has certain antibacterial properties, and is suitable for medical scenarios such as gauze and protective clothing.