We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Assessing compatibility, tansesterification, and disintegration of PET/PLA fiber blend in composting conditions
Summary
This study examined the compatibility and degradation behavior of blended PET and PLA plastic fibers under composting conditions, relevant to recycling mixed synthetic textile waste. Understanding how blended synthetic and biodegradable plastics behave together affects strategies for managing the textile microplastic pollution problem.
To recycle a blend of PET and PLA, understanding the challenging issues and crucial parameters that affect the properties and morphology of the blend is key to successful recycling. So, the main focus of this study was to investigate the parameters that influence the processability, compatibility, morphology, properties, and disintegration of PET/PLA blend fibers. Using surface tension measurements, acceptable adhesion between the two components was observed. SEM results showed that the PET/PLA blend fibers have a microfibrillar morphology. Based on 1 H NMR analysis, the exchange reaction resulted in a block copolymer. The crystallization process in the fibers became more difficult as the PLA content increased due to the formation of copolymers through transesterification. The presence of oriented crystals in the melt-spun fiber blend was confirmed by X-ray diffraction patterns. As the PLA content increased, the tensile strength of the blends decreased gradually. Furthermore, the sample containing 20 wt% PLA exhibited the highest dimensional stability. The disintegration process in composting conditions for PET was improved by PLA.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Strategies and progress in synthetic textile fiber biodegradability
This review presented a multidisciplinary perspective on strategies for improving synthetic textile fiber biodegradability, examining how insights from natural fiber degradation mechanisms are inspiring new approaches to address textile waste accumulation from dominant synthetic fibers like PET.
Fragmentation and Mineralization of a Compostable Aromatic–Aliphatic Polyester during Industrial Composting
Researchers tracked the fragmentation and biodegradation of a compostable aromatic-aliphatic polyester spiked into compost under industrial composting conditions, finding that while disintegration occurred as expected, microplastic-sized fragments with incomplete mineralization raised concerns about residual polymer persistence.
3D-printed polylactic acid biopolymer and textile fibers: comparing the degradation process
3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) objects and PLA textile fibers were compared in their degradation behavior under composting and environmental conditions. Both materials degraded over time but at different rates depending on their physical form and surface area. The study provides insights into how PLA-based products break down and whether they produce persistent microplastic residues.
Biodegradation behavior of wool and other textile fibers in aerobic composting conditions
Researchers tested the biodegradation of wool and various synthetic textile fibers under industrial aerobic composting conditions. They found that natural wool fibers broke down substantially within weeks, while synthetic fibers like polyester showed minimal degradation over the same period. The study underscores that synthetic textiles contribute to persistent microfiber pollution even under conditions designed to promote biological decomposition.
Microplastics in composting of rural domestic waste: abundance, characteristics, and release from the surface of macroplastics
Rural domestic waste compost contained an average of 2,400 ± 358 MP items/kg (dry weight) dominated by polyester, PP, and PE fibers and films, with lab experiments confirming that macroplastics in compost feedstock shed microplastics during the composting process.