With the increasing public demand for non-toxic and biodegradable polymers from renewable sources has come the urgent need to develop suitable fibres. A group of researchers led by Prof. Tao Xiao-ming at the Institute of Textiles and Clothing, recently collaborated with a Chinese mainland fibre producer and research institute to develop an eco-friendly and highly functional biobased PHBVW-PLA fibre blend and associated processing techniques.
Unlike materials most commonly used in the textile industry, such as petroleum-derived polymers polyester and nylon, the new fibre blend is eco-friendly while offering an unprecedentedly wide range of anti-bacterial and anti-mite properties not dependent on artificial anti-bacterial agents.
The blend’s anti-microbial and biocompatible properties, make it suitable for producing bedding or upholstery textiles that are not washed every day, as well as in medical applications such as compression stockings, wound dressings, surgical gowns and masks. Fabrics made from the new blend are colourfast, soft to the touch, drape neatly and exhibit excellent anti-pilling and anti-snagging performance. Moreover, the blend can be made into fabric using regular textile production and dyeing equipment, without demanding additional investment in new or modified machinery.