POLYLACTIC ACID FIBERS: APPLICATIONS IN THE TEXTILES, NONWOVENS AND FILTRATION INDUSTRIES

摘要

Polylactic Acid Polymers are being commercialized by Cargill Dow Polymers LLC. The use of lactic acid derived from fermentation of dextrose, coupled with a highly efficient and versatile polymerization process, provides global economics potentially competitive with conventional petroleum based polymers. The unique cost/performance property spectrum for these renewable resource based polymers is facilitating widespread acceptance across a variety of plastic markets. In particular, Fiber processing and properties show many features which promise utility across the breadth of fiber technologies and applications. This paper will discuss many of these unique features and provide suggestions on how the Filtration and Separation Industry could benefit from PLA fibers in addressing some of the continuing challenges.