Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is an aliphatic polyester which can be derived from 100% renewable resources. PLA fi bres can be dyed with disperse dyes, just like PET fi bres, although a modifi ed wet processing processes are employed. A variety of wet processing applications (pretreatment, dyeing, clearing, and subsequent fi nishing treatments) that imparts the greatest chemical and physical effect on the PLA fi bres necessitate major attention. Part II of this review reviews the wet processing (pretreatment, dyeing, clearing, subsequent fi nishing treatments, washing etc.) of PLA fi bre and its effects on the fi bre. This was accomplished through a broad literature survey including recent research and development in the area.Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), the fi rst melt-processable natural-based synthetic fi bre produced from annually renewable resources [1,2], combines ecological advantages with excellent performance in textiles. It is an aliphatic polyester which can be derived from 100% renewable resources such as corn [3] (Fig. 1). The processability of PLA is equivalent to that of petroleum-based synthetic materials, where PLA polymer uses conventional polyester type fi bre melt spinning processes. PLA fi bres use conventional spinning machinery. PLA fabrics also use conventional dyeing and fi nishing machinery.PLA fi bres can be dyed with disperse dyes, just like PET fi bres, although modifi ed wet processing processes are employed. A variety of wet processing applications that imparts the greatest chemical and physical effect on PLA fi bres necessitate major attention. A better understanding of PLA fi bre and the possible effects of different wet processing treatments during production and after-care procedures during usage by the consumer is vital. Finding the best conditions and methods for wet processing and after-care applications for PLA-based textile products will increase the performance of this naturalbased melt-spinnable PLA fi bre. The aim of Part II of this review paper is to review the wet processing (pretreatment, dyeing, clearing, subsequent fi nishing treatments, washing etc.) of PLA fi bre and its effects on the fi bre. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fi bre and its production, properties, performance, environmental impact, and end-use applications were reviewed and summarized in the fi rst part of this review.
Wet Processing of PLA fi bresPLA shows many properties that are similar to those of other synthetic fi bres. PLA fi bres can be manufactured by bulk dyeing before spinning using a polymer concentrate of the same dyes as for PET fi bres [4]. However, PLA requires modifi ed dyeing and fi nishing techniques to maximize its benefi ts. It can be dyed with disperse dyes, just like PET fi bres, under high temperature and pressure although a modifi ed dyeing method is employed since PLA has low affi nity to conventional watersoluble dyes [5]. Conventional processes and fi nishing technologies can be used for processing PLA fabrics [6]. The processing temperatures conventionally used for PET need to be red...