PLA Fibers Research Articles

Preparation of antishrinkage and high strength poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) microcellular foam via in situ fibrillation of polylactide

High-expansion-ratio microcellular poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) foams exhibit severe shrinkage, which hinders their industrial applications. This study provides a facile method to prepare low-shrinkage, high-compressive-strength and high-resilience PBAT foam. CEPBAT/PLA blends (CE = chain extender, PLA = polylactide) were prepared via in situ fibrillation to obtain CEPBAT/PLA-S (CEPBAT/PLA containing PLA spherical phase) foam containing PLA spheres and CEPBAT/PLA-F (CEPBAT/PLA containing PLA fiber phase) foam with PLA nanofibers. The effects of the PLA nanofibers and spheres on the antishrinkage and compression strength of the PBAT foams were studied. The PLA nanofibers exhibited a higher specific surface area than the PLA spheres and a supporting network structure for the PBAT foam, thereby improving its melt strength. As a result, the antishrinkage performance and compression strength of CEPBAT/PLA-F improved by 100 % and 180 %, respectively, compared with the neat PBAT foam after aging for 144 h. However, the permanent deformation of CEPBAT/PLA-F increased only slightly after ten compression cycles. CEPBAT/PLA-F showed better antishrinkage performance, compression strength, and resilience than CEPBAT/PLA-S owing to the interface effect of the PLA nanofibers, whose nanolinear network structure provides enhancement and a larger deformation range under pressure to reduce plastic deformation.

Grafting of Lactic Acid and ε-Caprolactone onto Alpha-Cellulose and Sugarcane Bagasse Cellulose: Evaluation of Mechanical Properties in Polylactic Acid Composites

In this paper, we present the synthesis of composite materials comprised of α-cellulose and sugarcane bagasse cellulose fibers grafted with lactic acid and ε-caprolactone. These fibers were incorporated as reinforcements into a PLA matrix by extrusion, producing composite materials with improved mechanical properties. The grafting of lactic acid and ε-caprolactone onto the fibers was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy, demonstrating the chemical modification of the fibers. The morphology of the fibers and composites was analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), showing that the fibers are encapsulated within the polymeric matrix. This suggests good PLA–fiber interaction for the 90 PLA/10 α-Cel, 90 PLA/10 LAC-g-α-Cel, and 90 PLA/10 ε-CL-g-α-Cel composite materials. The obtained composite materials were tested under tensile loading. Incorporating 10 wt% of LAC-g-FBA-Cel and α-Cel-g-FBA-Cel grafted fibers into the PLA matrix improved the tensile modulus by 28% and 12%, respectively, compared with PLA. The maximum tensile strength values obtained were for composite materials with 10 wt% PLA/α-Cel, LAC-g-α-Cel, and FBA-Cel with 23, 27, and 37% concerning PLA. DSC thermal studies showed a reduction in the glass transition temperature in the composites with grafted fibers. The results suggest better interfacial adhesion between the PLA matrix and both grafted and non-grafted α-cellulose fibers, which contributes to the observed improvements in the mechanical and thermal properties of the composite materials. The results demonstrate that the composites can be produced through extrusion. Once the optimal concentration has been determined, α-cellulose or sugarcane bagasse grafted with lactic acid and ε-caprolactone can be incorporated into the PLA matrix, exhibiting adjustable properties.

Degradation of Biodegradable Nonwoven Mulches in the Winter Period.

An open field experiment from November 2022 to May 2023 in Croatia, which is characterized by a continental humid climate, evaluated nonwoven mulches made from viscose, jute, and hemp fibres blended with PLA fibres. The blends of viscose and jute fibres (90:10, 80:20, and 70:30 ratios) were produced using mechanical web formation on cards with needle punching for bonding webs. Additionally, hemp fibres were blended with PLA fibres in a ratio of 80:20. Winter conditions caused significant structural changes in the mulches, including shrinkage, increased mass per unit area, thickness, and reduced air permeability. The amount of PLA fibre in the nonwoven mulch blends significantly affected nonwoven fabric structure change during exposure to winter conditions. After 180 days, the breaking force of all mulches increased by 30% to 277%. The soil beneath jute and hemp mulches maintained higher temperatures and moisture levels compared to viscose mulches. Soil organic carbon content varied with fibre type and was higher under jute and hemp mulches. K2O content was significantly higher in soils covered by mulches. All mulches effectively suppressed weeds. The experiment results showed that the newly produced nonwoven mulches could replace the conventional agro foil. Results also suggest that choosing biodegradable nonwoven mulches produced from fibres obtained from natural and renewable sources can influence soil fertility and the availability of nutrients, ultimately affecting plant growth and agricultural productivity.

Toward durable polylactic acid/poly(methyl methacrylate) polyblend fibers with high performance

AbstractPolylactic acid/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PLA/PMMA) composite fibers with high performance were fabricated using melt spinning technique. The crystallization, lamellae orientation and physical properties of composite fibers were investigated systematically. The addition of PMMA (0–20 wt%) has improved the hydrolysis resistance of composite fibers by preventing water molecules from penetrating and diffusing through the fibers, but the strength and heat resistance were reduced at the same time. The stereocomplex crystallites (SC) formed before spinning by introducing poly(D‐lactide) (PDLA) (3 wt%) in poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) matrix and acted as nucleating agents to enhanced the crystallization and lamellae orientation of PLLA matrix, which improved the physical properties of PLA composite fibers resultful. The tensile strength of PLA fibers with 3 wt% PDLA and 5 wt% PMMA was increased 31% as well as the boiling water shrinkage and the hydrolysis rate were decreased 30% and 33% in relation to PLLA fibers. Finally, the hydrolysis resistance was further enhanced on the basis of realizing high strength and heat resistance, which is of great significance for preparing durable PLA fiber materials and expanding their application.

Electrospun poly(lactic acid) membranes with defined pore size to enhance cell infiltration

Electrospun membranes are compact structures with small pore sizes that hinder cell infiltration, resulting in membranes with cells attached only to the external surface rather than throughout the entire volume. Thus, there is a need to increase the pore size of electrospun membranes maintaining their structural similarity to the extracellular matrix. In this work, we used glucose crystals embedded in polyethylene oxide (PEO) fibers to create large pores in poly(lactic acid) (PLA) electrospun membranes to allow for cellular infiltration. The PEO fibers containing glucose crystals of different sizes (>50, 50–100 and 100–150 μm) and in varying concentrations (10, 15 and 20 %) were co-electrospun with PLA fibers and subsequently leached out using distilled water. PLA fibrous membranes without glucose crystals were also produced as controls. The membranes were examined for their morphology, mechanical properties, and potential to support the proliferation of fibroblasts. In addition, the immune response to the membranes was evaluated using monocyte-derived macrophages. The glucose crystals were uniformly distributed in the PLA membranes and their removal created open pores without collapsing the structure. Although a reduced Young's modulus was observed for membranes produced using higher glucose crystal concentrations and larger crystal sizes, the structural integrity remained intact, and the values are still suitable for tissue engineering. In vitro results showed that the scaffolds supported the adhesion and proliferation of fibroblasts and the pores created in the PLAmembranes were large enough for fibroblasts infiltration and colonization of the entire scaffold without inducing an inflammatory response.

Geometry-modulated all organic 3D printed smart PLA fibers for flextension amplified giant mechanical energy harvesting and Machine learning assisted pressure mapping

Piezoelectret sensors offer a promising avenue for harvesting abundant mechanical energy in the environment, providing a sustainable power solution for low-powered electronics. However, effectively harnessing large impact mechanical energy remains a challenge. In this study, we introduce a novel 3D cylindrical self-powered piezoelectret sensor capable of converting irregular axial impact forces into uniform radial pressures, enabling efficient large-scale impact mechanical energy harvesting. The cylindrical piezoelectret sensor, operating via a flextensional mechanism, was fabricated using 3D printed poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fibers as the piezoelectret layer and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)-coated PLA as the electrode layer. Our cylindrical sensor demonstrates the output voltage, and current of ∼ 11.4 V and 7.2 μA, representing remarkable improvement of 250 % and 160 % respectively, compared to flat fiber membrane device. Furthermore, we leverage IoT connectivity and machine learning techniques to utilize the fabricated robotic sensor for pressure mapping applications. Through machine learning algorithms, we achieve a remarkable accuracy of 100 % in character identification based on sensor data. This work highlights the potential of organic robotic sensors for efficient energy harvesting and intelligent pressure mapping applications, paving the way for the development of sustainable and adaptive sensor systems for various real-world scenarios.

Determination of the type of arched carbon fiber reinforced fastening of the preparatory opening for the conditions of the «Dniprovska» mine in weakly metamorphized rocks

The object of study is an arched carbon fiber-reinforced support of constant cross-section in a layered massif of weakly metamorphosed rocks. The article presents an analysis of the possible use of arched fiber-reinforced support of constant cross-section in a layered massif of weakly metamorphosed rocks for the conditions of the «Dniprovska» mine (Ukraine) around the preparatory opening. An analysis of the stability of mine openings in Western Donbas mines has shown that it is necessary to modernize the support system by introducing carbon fiber. The main reason for the low stability of the opening is the insufficient load-bearing capacity of the support, while its technical characteristics do not take into account the complex mining and geological conditions. The increase in stresses at mining depth is associated with impact safety, which is a serious problem during mining. Metal arch supports are deformable and have high rock loads and require a high level of energy absorption, i. e., to be very strong and flexible to withstand significant loads and avoid large displacements of the opening walls. Carbon fiber-reinforced plastic is able to ensure the stability of the fastening system and eliminate the existing disadvantages of typical metal arch fasteners, namely, high labour intensity, low production speed and high weight of the structure. In this article, the stress-strain state for the specified conditions and the carbon fiber-reinforced plastic arch support of constant cross-section was analyzed using the SolidWorks software product, taking into account the physical and mechanical properties of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic and layered rocks. Taking into account the results of laboratory tests of an equivalent layered array on a press made of PLA and carbon fiber, the dependence of deformations of the equivalent array with increasing load was established. The use of arched carbon fiber supports of various cross-sections can ensure the opening stability by reducing the intensity of stresses around its contour. On the basis of this study, a rational arched composite support of constant cross-section was proposed for the conditions of the «Dniprovska» mine. The obtained results indicate the need for further research, which will be considered in the author's future works.

Investigate the Processability of Biobased Thermoplastics Used in Nonwoven Fabrics.

The Covid-19 pandemic increased enormously the manufacturing and usage of face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE), resulting in accumulation of plastic waste and, thus, causing universal environmental concerns. In addressing the issue of waste reduction and finding alternatives for fossil-based products, investigation of different biobased and biodegradable polymers plays a crucial role. This study examines the processability characteristics of three commonly used biobased polymers available in the market: biobased poly(lactic acid) (PLA), partly biobased and biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), and biobased high-density poly(ethylene) (BioHDPE). The investigation combines substantial polymer analysis with subsequent processability trials in two different spunmelt processes, namely, meltblow (MB) and the Nanoval technology, aiming to reveal the differences and difficulties in the processing behavior and pointing out advantages and/or disadvantages of the respective polymer/technology combination. In general, the observed processability behavior and outcomes indicate that within the used processes PLA exhibits superior processability compared to PBS and BioHDPE. Both the meltblow and Nanoval processing of PLA demonstrated a consistent production of fibers and efficient uptake without any compromise on the throughput. In contrast, the processing of PBS using Nanoval required the utilization of significantly elevated temperatures, as indicated by a rheological study. Furthermore, the rheological evaluation revealed that the viscosity of BioHDPE was excessively elevated, rendering it unsuitable for effective processing by the Nanoval method. The microfibers in the PLA-based meltblown fabric had a higher surface area, explaining why the PLA fibers were able to function as a barrier and, thus, contribute to the mitigation of air permeability adjustable between 500 and 1000 l·s-1·m-2 and thus competitive or even superior to PP nonwovens of the same fiber diameter and base weight (1480 l·s-1·m-2). Overall, these results showed that PLA can be an alternative raw material for fossil-based nonwovens of PPE applying, especially, the meltblown technique.

Melt-spun polylactide/ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer fiber

Polylactide/ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (PLA/EVOH) blends and fibers with different weight ratios were prepared by melt blending, and two-step melt spinning, respectively. PLA and EVOH in PLA/EVOH blends were immiscible. When EVOH content was ≤60 %, EVOH with the average diameter of about 3 μm was dispersed in PLA matrix uniformly. The dual continuous phases could be observed in PLA/EVOH blend with 70 wt% EVOH. When the EVOH content was ≥80 %, the spherical PLA phase with the diameter of 0.25 to 1 μm was dispersed in EVOH matrix. The introduction of EVOH as nucleating agent could promote the crystallization of PLA. Both PLA and EVOH components in PLA/EVOH blends formed individual crystal phases. The viscosity of PLA/EVOH blend with 5 % EVOH was lower than that of neat PLA. The viscosity of PLA/EVOH blends with the EVOH content of ≥10 % was much higher than that of neat PLA, which showed obvious shear thinning behavior. With the increase of EVOH content, the shear thinning behavior became obvious and the critical shear rate decreased gradually. The drawn PLA/EVOH fibers with the tensile strength of ≥16 cN/tex exhibited good mechanical properties. In addition, the introduction of EVOH could improve the hydrophilicity of PLA fibers.

Activity in the Field of Blood Coagulation Processes of Poly(Lactide)-Zinc Fiber Composite Material Obtained by Magnetron Sputtering

This article presents the biochemical properties of poly(lactide)-zinc (PLA-Zn) composites obtained by DC magnetron sputtering of zinc onto melt-blown nonwoven fabrics. The biochemical properties were determined by the evaluation of the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT). The antimicrobial activity of the PLA-Zn samples was additionally tested against representative Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria strains. A structural study of the PLA-Zn has been carried out using specific surface area and total pore volume (BET) analysis, as well as atomic absorption spectrometry with flame excitation (FAAS). PLA-Zn composites exhibited an antibacterial effect against the analyzed strains and produced inhibition zones against E. coli and S. aureus. Biochemical investigations revealed that the untreated PLA fibers caused the acceleration of the clotting of human blood plasma in the intrinsic pathway. However, the PLA-Zn composites demonstrated significantly different properties in this regard, the aPTT was prolonged while the PT was not altered.

In vitro evaluation and characterization of cisplatin loaded nanofibers for local chemotherapy

Cancer is a disease that affects the quality of life of the patients that are treated with Cisplatin (CDDP), which is needed for adjuvant therapy, however it leads to many secondary and adverse effects. In this study, we manufactured and characterized poly-(lactic acid) (PLA) non-woven fibers loaded with Cisplatin (CDDP) by electrospinning technique to evaluate their cytotoxicity in in vitro assays on HeLa cells (cervical carcinoma cell line). PLA–CDDP solutions with increasing concentrations of CDDP (0.5, 1 and 2% w/w) were used in a TL-01 electrospinning equipment with the same system parameters. We analyzed the chemical, thermal and morphological characteristics of PLA and PLA–CDDP fiber mats. Furthermore, hydrolytic degradation, hemolysis and toxicity in HeLa cells were evaluated. By adding the CDDP to the fibers, the degradation, glass transition and melting temperatures were modified; the 3 µm fiber diameter of pristine PLA fibers was decreased in half the size and the degradation time was extended over 5 months. However, the hemocompatibility of the material with and without CDDP was maintained, while cytotoxicity in HeLa cells increased in the three concentrations of fiber mats of PLA–CDDP compared to the intravenous drug at 24 h (p < 0.01). We concluded that the fiber mats PLA–CDDP could be used for localized therapy in the adjuvant treatment when resection panels are expose after a surgical extirpation of solid tumors.

Structure and properties of chlorogenic acid-loaded polylactide fiber prepared by melt spinning

Polylactide/chlorogenic acid (PLA/CGA) blends with different weight ratios were prepared by melt mixing, and corresponding PLA/CGA fibers were produced via a two-step melt spinning process. For PLA/CGA blends, CGA was distributed uniformly in the PLA matrix. The intermolecular interactions between CGA and PLA existed. The viscosity of PLA/CGA blends was much lower than that of neat PLA. With the increase of CGA content, the viscosity of PLA/CGA blends decreased. As the CGA content increased, the crystallinity of both PLA/CGA blends and fibers decreased. In addition, the tensile strength of PLA/CGA fibers was slightly lower than that of neat PLA fiber. For PLA/CGA fibers, the 6-fold drawn PLA/CGA fiber with 3 % CGA owned the highest tensile strength of 420 MPa. The ultraviolet (UV) resistance of PLA/CGA fibers were enhanced significantly by the introduction of CGA. When the CGA content was not <3 %, the UV transmittance of PLA/CGA fibers was <8 %. Moreover, PLA/CGA fibers exhibited good antioxidant properties. PLA/CGA fibers with 10 % CGA owned the highest antioxidant rate of >90 %. In addition, the 6-fold drawn PLA/CGA fiber with 10 % CGA presented excellent release performance with a 7-day cumulative CGA release rate of 19 %.

Synergistic effect of stereo-complexation and interfacial compatibility in ammonium polyphosphate grafted polylactic acid fibers for simultaneously improved toughness and flame retardancy

Flammability and poor toughness of unmodified PLA limit its applications in various fields. Though ammonium polyphosphate (APP) is a green and effective flame retardant, it has poor compatibility with the matrix, leading to a decrease in mechanical properties. Stereo-complexation greatly improves the strength and heat resistance of traditional PLA. However, the effect of flame retardants on the formation of stereo-complexed crystals and the impact of stereo-complexation on flame retardancy have not been studied previously. In this research, PDLA chains were first in-situ reacted with APP particles for improved interfacial compatibility. By utilizing the characteristic of PLA enantiomers that can form stereo-complexed crystals, near-complete stereo-complexed PLA fibers with flame retardancy were produced via clean and continuous melt spinning. The compatibility between PDLA-g-APP and PLLA matrix was studied by SEM, rheological analyses and DSC. Strength and flexibility of the fibers were simultaneously enhanced compared to traditional PLA due to the synergistic effect of interfacial compatibility and stereo-complexation. Compared to traditional PLA, the peak heat release rate and total heat release in microcalorimetry test were reduced by 33 % and 22 %, respectively. The flame-retardant fibers achieved a V-0 rating in the UL-94 test, and an increase in LOI value from 19.4 % to 28.2 %.

Impact of Polylactic Acid Fibers in Cellulose Nonwoven Mulch Blends on Biodegradability and Performance-An Open Field Study.

The performance and degradation of nonwoven mulches made from viscose, jute, hemp fibers, and their blends with PLA fibers, subjected to field conditions, are investigated. This research explores the possible substitution of traditional agricultural polyethylene mulching agro foil with environmentally friendly biodegradable nonwoven mulches produced from blends of jute, hemp, and viscose fibers along with PLA fibers. The nonwoven mulches underwent a ten-month exposure to field conditions, showing varied degradation. The jute and hemp nonwoven mulches degraded completely within the test period, whereas their blends with PLA fibers exhibited slowed degradation. This study indicated that PLA fibers in blends with jute, hemp, and viscose mulches slowed degradation, impacting their structural integrity and tensile properties. The tensile properties of nonwoven mulches blended with 20% of PLA fibers increased the breaking forces after field exposure. Observations on structural changes through microscopy highlighted the structure maintenance in jute and hemp blends due to the non-degraded PLA fibers, contrasting the complete degradation of 100% jute and hemp mulches. A microscopic analysis revealed alterations in the fiber structure and density changes, particularly in viscose mulches and their blends with PLA fibers. Soil temperature variations were observed under different mulches; e.g., agro foil consistently exhibited higher temperatures compared to nonwoven mulches. Notably, the hemp and jute/PLA blend mulches showed slightly elevated temperatures, while the viscose-based mulches consistently revealed the lowest temperatures. Regarding soil moisture, the nonwoven mulches generally maintained higher moisture levels compared to the control field and agro foil from June to October. These findings suggest that nonwoven mulches effectively preserved soil moisture during critical growth periods, potentially positively impacting plant growth. The weed suppression capabilities varied among mulches, with hemp mulch initially displaying the lowest suppression ability in the first six months. The addition of 20% of PLA fibers in mulch blends with viscose, jute, and hemp notably improved the weed control capabilities. Understanding the impacts of field conditions on newly produced nonwoven mulches is crucial for optimizing mulch selection in agricultural practices to enhance soil conditions and weed management.

Hydrogel-assisted microfluidic wet spinning of poly(lactic acid) fibers from a green and pro-crystallization spinning dope

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fibers have found a broad range of applications in medical textiles. While traditional spinning methods usually involve harsh conditions, such as high temperatureor toxic organic solvents, the challenges in producing PLA fibers via a green route are yet to be overcome. Herein, we described a new strategy for PLA fiber production, which combines the controlled and benign spinning conditions enabled by microfluidics and a novel green spinning dope with bio-sourced CyreneTMas a non-toxic solvent for PLA. This strategy is enabled by the in-situ formation of ahydrogel shell around the focused PLA/Cyrene™spinning dope stream. This hydrogel shell stabilizes the core stream and facilitates the solidification of the PLA fiber. Our hydrogel-assisted microfluidic wet spinning (HA-MWS) strategy represents the first-ever method that allows for the continuous room-temperature production of highly porous PLA fibers (porosity > 80 %) without the need for petroleum-based chemicals. We characterized the solution properties of the PLA/CyreneTMspinning dope and discovered that CyreneTMcan induce PLA crystallization, with resultant crystals acting as cross-linking centers for the spinning dope gelation. We then explored the microfluidic wet spinning process, using the spinning dope as the core flow and the alginate aqueous solution as the shell flow to achieve controlled fiber production. The resulting PLA fibers underwent comprehensive morphological, structural, and mechanical characterization. Our process enables the green productionofPLA fibers under mild conditions.More importantly, a bio-based green and pro-crystallization solvent was for the first time used to develop PLA spinning dope, which gives rise to a range of promising fiber properties (e.g. high porosity), which can broaden potential biomedical applications of PLA fibers.

Effect of the notch opening angle on the quasi-static behavior of PLA and carbon fibers reinforced PLA realized through Fused Deposition Modelling

Additive manufacturing provides significant advantages over conventional manufacturing. Among the others, the almost unconstrained freedom in the geometrical design for this technology can be pointed out. However, the geometrical complexness of such components requires for adequate tools to assess both their fracture behavior and fatigue life. A suitable solution for such a design challenge is to rely on the so-called local approaches whose main advantage is to consider a local parameter to evaluate the behavior of the entire component; besides, such methods have the advantage that their critical value can be assumed to be independent on both the overall geometry of the component and the loading conditions. With this purpose, the present work investigates the fracture behavior of notched specimens made of PLA and carbon fiber reinforced PLA realized through additive manufactured technique. The specimen's geometry considered is smooth and double notched while the notch opening angles varies between 30 and 120 degrees. The results of the experimental campaign have been summarized through the averaged strain energy density (SED) method, an energy-based local approach, widely proved to be a valid tool to investigate both fracture in static condition and fatigue failure. The critical value of SED has been obtained through the stress-strain curve of smooth specimens for the two studied materials. After the determination of the control volume characteristic length, R0, the data have been summarized in terms of averaged SED values. The critical loads for the different geometries and the different materials considered are predicted by the method with an average error of ±7%.

Sustainable dispersant-free dyeing of poly(lactic acid) with microbial prodigiosins in decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) medium

Traditional poly(lactic acid) (PLA) dyeing with synthetic disperse dyes in water medium presents a significant environmental risk since it consumes a large amount of chemicals and generates dyeing wastewater. In order to comply with the demands of clean production and sustainable development, a dispersant-free solvent dyeing system was developed by employing decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) as dyeing medium and microbial prodigiosins prepared through surfactant-assisted fermentation as natural disperse dye. The influence of D5 medium on PLA fiber and prodigiosins was investigated. It was discovered that D5 could swell PLA fibers by penetrating the inside of the fibers while having no adverse effects on prodigiosins. The dyeing parameters were subsequently optimized in terms of K/S value and strength loss. The results indicated that PLA fabrics dyed in a modified solvent dyeing system containing 250% (owf) water exhibited the highest K/S value and minimum strength loss when they were dyed at dyeing temperature 105 °C, aqueous pH7.0 and dyeing time 30 min. The colorfastness of solvent dyed fabrics were equivalent to that of aqueously dyed fabrics in terms of rubbing and washing. The solvent dyeing process developed in this study effectively reduces the consumption of dispersant agents, being conducive to facilitate the further development of sustainable PLA industry.

Mechanical properties, in vitro degradation and cytocompatibility of woven textiles manufactured from PLA/PCL commingled yarns

The mechanical, thermal, and biological performance of fabrics manufactured with hybrid PLA/PCL commingled yarns were studied. Commingled hybrid yarns take advantage of the higher elastic modulus of PLA and the higher ductility and toughness of PCL to produce yarns and fabrics with high strength and ductility that is transferred to the woven textiles. Furthermore, PLA and PCL exhibit different degradation rates and also allow to tailor this property. Degradation of the textiles was carried out in phosphate-buffered saline solution for up to 160 days at 37 °C and 50 °C (accelerated degradation). Neither the thermal nor the mechanical properties were altered by immersion at 37 °C during 80 days and a slight degradation was observed as a result of chain scission of the PLA fibres after 160 days. However, immersion at 50 °C led to a rapid reduction in strength after 40 days due to the hydrolysis of PLA, and the fabric was highly degraded after 160 days as a result of chain scission in PCL. Finally, while indirect tests did not predict optimal biocompatibility, the direct tests provided a different perspective of the cell interaction between the textile and pre-osteoblasts regarding cell attachment and cell morphology. These results show the potential of hybrid commingled yarns to manufacture textile scaffolds of biodegradable polymers with tailored mechanical properties and good ductility for connective tissue engineering (ligaments and tendons).

Synergistic reinforcement of polylactic acid/wood fiber composites by cellulase and reactive extrusion

In order to overcome the consumption of non renewable resources and serious environmental pollution caused by traditional petroleum based polymers, blending and modifying renewable PLA and wood fibers to replace traditional petroleum based plastics has become a current research hotspot. However, due to the large polarity difference between PLA and wood fibers, the performance of the composite material prepared is not ideal. To improve the performance of polylactic acid/poplar fiber (PLA/PF) composites and simplify the process, this study used cellulase and 2,2 '- (1,3-phenylene) - dioxazoline (PBO) co modification, a safe, environmentally friendly and simple process, to prepare the composites. The results show that the crystallization properties of cellulase and PBO-modified composites will be appropriately reduced, the microstructure shows that the interface of PLA/CF-5.5/PBO is more tightly bonded, and the mechanical test results show that the modified material has excellent mechanical properties. Compared to the unmodified PLA/PF, PLA/CF-5.5/PBO has a 28.85% increase in tensile strength, reaching 63.65 MPa. while its flexural strength reaches 116.07 MPa, representing a 21.45% increase. Surprisingly, the tensile and strength of PLA/CF-5.5/PBO exceeds that of pure PLA, with the flexural modulus showing a significant increase of 43.96% compared to PLA. The above analysis shows that the effect of the two synergistic modification methods is significant, and the research results provide an environmental protection idea for the development of PLA matrix composites with high compatibility, good mechanical properties and good environmental adaptability, and broaden the application scope and value of the composites.

Design and optimization methodology for different 3D processed materials (PLA, ABS and carbon fiber reinforced nylon PA12) subjected to static and dynamic loads

This research presents a methodology for the design and optimization of 3D printed parts with material extrusion (MEX) technology with three different commercial materials: PLA, ABS and N + CF (PA12) subjected to tensile and fatigue stresses, which included three stages: pretreatment, design of experiments and sequential optimization by statistical modeling. In the pretreatment stage, mainly the printing control factors (inner layer and contour height, printing speed, extrusion temperature, nozzle, infill arrangement and printing orientation) were determined; then, factors to optimize tensile strength as a function of printing pattern (linear, 3D, hexagonal), infill percentage (33%, 66%, 100°) and printing orientation (+45°/-45°, 0°/90°) were evaluated. Fatigue analysis was performed as a function of impression orientation using 100% infill, linear impression pattern, 5 Hz and a load range between 90 and 50% UTS. Optimization of tensile strength resulted in parts that exceeded the UTS of their corresponding filament, leading to infinite life relative to fatigue tests. Results were presented for fatigue life prediction based on Weibull analysis, Basquińs model and a multivariate response surface correlation analysis. The best fatigue behavior was related to the optimized tensile strength, the infill pattern applied to the printing orientation and the intrinsic properties of ABS (1 × 107cycles, stress up to 20 MPa). With respect to the other materials, a good fatigue behavior was highlighted at the number of cycles achieved 1 × 106 (stress up to 18 MPa) and 1 × 105 (stress up to 24 MPa) for N + CF and PLA, respectively. This study contributes to a better understanding of how printing parameters correlate with tensile and fatigue properties.