Polylactic Acid Fiber
Polylactic acid fiber is a bio-based synthetic fiber made by turning polylactic acid, produced mainly from plant-derived sugars, into fibers, and it requires careful handling around heat.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Polylactic acid fiber is a fiber made using polylactic acid (PLA), a thermoplastic resin. Thermoplastic refers to a property in which a material softens when heat is applied and hardens when it cools. It is used as filament thread or staple fiber and processed into woven fabrics, nonwovens, knit fabrics, and more.
Because it can use plant-derived raw materials, it is considered in planning that focuses on the origin of the material. However, the fact that the raw material is plant-derived does not mean the product will easily decompose in every use environment. For disposal, it is necessary to check local collection and treatment conditions and product specifications.
Texture and Function
In general, it is easy to achieve a smooth, relatively light texture, and it can express transparency and an elegant sheen. Depending on the fiber cross section, thread thickness, structure, and processing, the appearance and feel can vary greatly, from firm lightweight cloth to soft nonwoven material.
On the other hand, polylactic acid may not have sufficient resistance to high temperatures. Because strength loss and deformation may occur due to heat, moisture, alkaline conditions, and other factors, applications that require heat resistance and durability should be checked using test results for the textile and including blended materials.
Main Applications
In apparel, it is used for items that take advantage of material feel and lightness, such as shirts, blouses, dresses, and skirts. In addition to being used on its own, it may also be blended, union-woven, or combined in knitting with other fibers to adjust strength, dimensional stability, stretch, and texture.
Outside apparel, it is also used for nonwovens, interfacing materials, hygiene and household materials, and more. It is not a material limited to a particular season, but for specifications that require avoiding heat during ironing or drying, including summer items, it is important to design washing and care methods that are easy for consumers to handle.
Selection and Handling Notes
When selecting a textile, check not only the composition but also heat resistance, dimensional change after washing, tensile strength, colorfastness, and pilling according to the final application. In particular, properties vary depending on the blend ratio, weave or knit structure, and post-processing, so even the same PLA blend does not always have equivalent performance.
For washing and drying, follow the care label and basically avoid hot water washing, tumble drying, and high-temperature ironing. In the sewing process as well, check the iron temperature, pressing cloth, and press time in advance, and test conditions that prevent sewing shrinkage, press marks, sheen, and deformation. Before cutting and sewing, it is safe to perform washing and sewing tests under the same conditions as mass production.
- Whether shrinkage or stretching occurs should be checked through washing tests on a textile-by-textile basis.
- When interfacing, printing, lamination, or similar processes are used together, check the temperature conditions during bonding and processing.
- For dark and light colors, also check wash fastness and rub fastness.
Differences from Similar Terms
Polyester often refers broadly to polyester fibers, including those derived from petroleum, and compared with ordinary apparel polyester, polylactic acid differs in raw material origin, heat resistance, and resistance to hydrolysis. Although polylactic acid is a type of polyester in terms of chemical structure, in practice it is checked as a separate material.
Lyocell and rayon are regenerated fibers whose main component is cellulose. In contrast, polylactic acid fiber is a synthetic polymer fiber obtained by polymerizing lactic acid. Also, the expression biobased is a description of raw material origin and does not uniformly indicate the use of recycled raw materials or biodegradability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can polylactic acid fiber be washed at home?
Some textiles can be washed at home, but polylactic acid fiber may be affected by heat and washing conditions. Avoid hot washing, tumble drying, and high-temperature ironing, and follow the washing instructions set for each product. Before mass production, check the shrinkage rate, appearance, and strength after washing.
Is polylactic acid fiber a biodegradable material?
Polylactic acid has the property of decomposing under specific conditions such as temperature, humidity, and microorganisms, but this does not guarantee decomposition in ordinary use environments or household waste treatment environments. When indicating or promoting biodegradability, verify the product form, blended materials, treatment conditions, and supporting evidence individually.
Can it be sewn in the same way as polyester?
Basic cutting and sewing are possible, but special attention to heat is required. Because surface changes, sheen, and deformation may occur with ironing or pressing, set the conditions from a low temperature and use a pressing cloth. Conduct advance testing including thermal processes such as interfacing bonding and printing.
