An insight into enhancing the physical properties of poly(lactic acid) (D600) fibers

Abstract

The most applicable polymer in different applications is poly(lactic acid) (PLA) due its merits. This polymer attracts great interest as an environmentally friendly bioplastic polymer. The main goal of this work is to enhance the different physical properties of PLA. The melt-spun process was used to produce a continuous multifilament yarns of PLA textile fibers. The mechanical properties (tensile properties) of PLA(D600) filaments were studied. The tensile modulus and the maximum tensile strength were 3 and 0.4 GPa, respectively. The effect of the cold-drawing process on some physical properties, such as the melting temperature, glass transition temperature, crystallinity, birefringence, and orientation factor, were measured. The crystallinity values changed as the draw ratio increased, confirming the reorientations and chain packing. From the obtained results of the different physical properties, it was concluded that the drawing process has a great effect on performance of PLA fibers.