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New Discoveries in the Application of Polylactic Acid (PLA) in Textiles | Yarn Expo

Exhibition News

New Discoveries in the Application of Polylactic Acid (PLA) in Textiles | Yarn Expo

2024-06-13

On June 7th, the Yarn Expo closed in Shenzhen!

Bio-based, recyclable, biodegradable! eSUNfiber prominently showcased products such as PLA fibers, yarns, and non-woven fabrics at the exhibition, along with their applications across multiple fields!

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Image: eSUNfiber booth

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Image: Leaders from the MIIT and the CCFA visited the eSUNfiber booth in Suzhou for inspection and guidance.

On June 6th, eSUNfiber also made a presentation at the venue titled 'The Current Application and Development Trend of PLA Fiber' highlighting the value discovery of PLA in textile applications!

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PLA is a 100% plant-sourced biodegradable polymer that can be decomposed into water and carbon dioxide under certain conditions. PLA fiber combines the advantages of natural and synthetic fibers, and its application in the textile industry has a promising development prospect.

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1.Antibacterial and Deodorization

Test results show that PLA fiber has a high antibacterial effect against bacteria known as 'bad bacteria,' such as Staphylococcus aureus and Moraxella.

PLA fiber has the characteristic of secreting 'lactic acid' from the material, which enters the cells through the cell membrane of bacteria (such as bad bacteria), thereby interfering with bacterial growth and achieving an 'antibacterial' effect.

The bacterial strains with more than 99.9% antibacterial effect include:

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In the investigation and test on Staphylococcus aureus, a comparison between cotton and cotton blended with PLA material showed that the number of bacteria attached after 18 hours was reduced by 99% compared to 100% cotton.

Additionally, the deodorization performance test results of 100% PLA double-layer knitted fabric and PLA blended socks showed that PLA fiber has good elimination performance for odor components such as acetic acid, ammonia, isovaleric acid, and nonenal.

2.Skin Beautification and Care

PLA is weakly acidic, close to the pH of the skin, and the slow release of lactic acid from PLA helps eliminate dead skin cells, promote epidermal metabolism, and aid in collagen growth. When PLA fiber is applied to intimate apparel, it can improve the skin's ecological microenvironment, regulate pH, and adjust temperature and humidity, not only providing users with a more comfortable experience but also improving certain skin issues!

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3.Moisture Wicking and Quick Drying

PLA fiber has a low thermal conductivity, offering good insulation in winter; due to its excellent moisture-wicking and sweat-evaporation properties, it can quickly remove body heat through evaporation, bringing a cool experience when worn in summer.

Overall, PLA fiber is hailed as 'eco-fiber,' possessing characteristics such as skin-friendliness, antibacterial, quick-drying, insulation, flame retardancy, and biodegradability. Its innovative application in the textile industry will contribute to promoting environmental protection and sustainable development in the industry.

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Against the backdrop of sustainable consumption becoming a global consensus, yarn products that are green, healthy, and comfortable are attracting more consumer attention. Textiles with functions such as antibacterial, antiviral, mold prevention, moisture-wicking, and skin beautification are becoming the new hotspots!

eSUNfiber welcomes in-depth exchanges and cooperation with enterprises throughout the industry chain to jointly promote the industrial application and innovative development of PLA fibers.