Stability of poly(L-lactic acid) in textile applications.

The present paper is focused on the use of promising bio-based thermoplastic--poly(L-lactic acid)--in textile applications and with possible limits related to its enhanced sensitivity to (bio)degradation. Linear and planar fabrics made of staple were exposed to standard washing cycles imitating the maintenance of textile materials. The effect of temperature and pH of the washing bath on the degradation rate of poly(L-lactic acid) was monitored by the abiotic hydrolysis test. The properties of the fabrics after carrying out the tests were evaluated from the changes of mass per areal weight, strength, and morphology of the fabrics. The changes of the structure of the polymer chains were assessed by differential scanning calorimetry, by the decrease of molar masses (determined using size exclusion chromatography) and of the viscosity of the polymer solutions, and by infrared spectroscopy. Poly(L-lactic acid) fabric finds application for various kinds of garments, and untreated fabric reliably tolerates 60 standard washing cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]