3D-printed polylactic acid biopolymer and textile fibers: comparing the degradation process

With the advancement of sustainable actions in textile industry, biodegradable polymers are considered a potential solution to environmental problems generated by plastic waste. In particular, renewable polyesters, such as polylactic acid (PLA), most promising bioresorbable materials for application consumer areas, which is one largest segments responsible waste generation. Based on these considerations, objective was investigate degradability 3D-printed PLA biopolymer, compared natural and synthetic fibers (cotton polyester). The comparison carried out with samples degraded soil exposed weather 120 days. Significant results were obtained mass loss, follows: 13.4% PLA; 8.9% cotton/flat, 3.84% polyester/flat. As loss area, 46.5% 15.4% cotton/knit; 6.25% polyester/knit. composition analyzed factors that can determine period degradation, since fiber fabrics present faster decomposition due presence microorganisms. Another point highlight material construction, knitted fabric more unstable flat fabric, its bonds tend break easily resulting different degradation process flat, knit, non-woven materials.