Polylactic Acid Polymers from Com. Applications in the Textiles Industry

Abstract

Tables 10 and 11 summarize the key takeaways. Looking at the world of “Technical Textiles” (Table 12) it is clear that this unique spectrum of properties will allow PLA polymers to participate in a wider range of markets. In particular, in this segment, the unique combination of outstanding resistance to sunlight, resiliency, and elastic recovery offers potential for use in tents, patio umbrellas, and awnings. In addition, automotive applications requiring high moisture wicking and UV stability, such as seating will benefit from these materials. The high loft and resiliency offers promise in sleeping bags and other applications requiring good insulation properties. A brief glimpse of a new polymer platform has been provided. These materials provide a rare example of a competitive polymer whose primary building block comes from a natural renewable carbohydrate source. One billion pounds of PLA is equivalent to 0.5% of the annual US corn crop. Only 75% of the available acreage is presently used and corn is the cheapest source of dextrose; therefore, monomer supply is more than adequate to meet the foreseeable future. The minimal impact on corn utilization and existing uses leads to no negative impact for either society, or disposal. In addition, because potentially any carbohydrate feedstock can be used, this technology offers the future potential to use other natural feedstocks, such as wheat, sugar beets, rice and ultimately biomass. The unique properties of these polymers have attracted considerable attention across the spectrum of plastics' applications. In particular, polylactic acid polymers show significant promise to the textiles and non-wovens industry.