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Abstract
The conventional recycling methods of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) wastes (composting and depolymerization) are expensive and difficult methods. In this article, the melt recycling of PLA plastic wastes to produce biodegradable PLA fibers by a melt spinning process was studied. Melt spinning quality, mechanical, structural, thermal, surface morphological and dyeing properties of the PLA fiber samples were characterized. The results showed that melt spinning of PLA fibers from recycled wastes with acceptable properties is possible. The drying pretreatment of the recycled PLA flakes, melt extrusion temperature and drawing operation had important effects on the mechanical and structural properties of the r-PLA fibers.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The author is grateful to Mrs. Faye Kashanchi for her help in providing the PLA food packages and Mr. Abolfazl Mahmudi for his assistance in preparing the samples and some evaluations.
Notes
*Values inside brackets indicate coefficient of variants (C.V. %).
*Values inside brackets are coefficient of variants (C.V. %).
*Drawing the sample to obtain a 25–35% elongation at break was impossible.
**Values inside brackets are coefficient of variants (C.V. %).
Note, the fiber sample produced from recycled PLA was totally damaged after dyeing at 130°C.
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