In textile industry, petroleum-derived polymers such as polyester and nylon are still the most popular fibres. Yet, they are non-biodegradable and they pollute the environment while putting a strain on the eco-system. As the public becomes more environmentally conscious, non-toxic and degradable biopolymers made from renewable sources have enjoyed more consumer interest. However, common biopolymers, namely PLA and PHBV, while useful in food packaging, tableware and medical tools, do not make the perfect fibres for textiles on their own. In conjunction with a fibre producer and a research institute in Chinese mainland, Prof. Xiaoming Tao, Chair Professor of Textile Technology, Institute of Textiles and Clothing (ITC), led a research team to develop a new PHBV-PLA blend fibre alongside textile processing techniques for that fibre. This new eco-friendly and functional bio-textile is the world’s first that demonstrates a wide spectrum of anti-bacterial and anti-mite properties without any artificial anti-bacterial agent added. It is also soft as silk and drapes nicely, making it the perfect material for medical, home and fashion textiles. Moreover, this bio-textile consumes 32% less energy than polyester in the dyeing process.
Eco-friendliness
As opposed to fossil fuel, biopolymers are made from plants and food waste. They are carbon neutral and can be renewed. As they are non-toxic and biodegradable, they can be recycled in the eco-system without poisoning water sources or other organisms. Not only do the sources of the fibre make less impact on the environment, but also the production process. “PHBV-PLA blend fibre has an affinity for disperse dyes with up to 97.8% dye exhaustion. The dyeing process also happens in between 90°C and 100°C, much lower than 130°C required for dyeing polyester. From an energy consumption point of view, PHBV-PLA blend fibre uses 32% less energy than polyester in the dyeing process. From a pollution point of view, most dye is picked up by the fibre and there is less dye in the effluent, and thus, causing less pollution.”
Multiple functions
And being eco-conscious doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort. PHBV-PLA blend fibre makes colourfast fabric that does not easily fade during use and washing. It also feels soft to the touch and drapes well. Apart from excellent anti-pilling and anti-snagging performance, it is naturally resistant to many bacteria, fungi and mites without the need to apply any biocide. “Such properties make it very useful in bedding or upholstery textiles which are not washed every day. Besides, its anti-bacterial property is also a plus for undergarments or socks. Odour comes from the bacteria that feed on the protein in our sweat. When few bacteria survive on the fabric, these clothing items remain fresh even when drenched in sweat,” said Prof. Tao. Coupling with its antimicrobial function and biocompatibility, it makes great medical textiles in applications such as medical compression stockings, wound dressings, surgical gowns and masks etc.
Cost effectiveness
Manufacturers may hesitate to switch to a new product because of the cost involved in modification or procurement of equipment. On this front, PHBV-PLA blend fibre promises not to break your bank. It can be made into fabric using regular textile and dyeing equipment. That means existing manufacturers may adopt its production right away without additional investment on new machines or modification.
In March 2017, new functional textiles from bio-based and degradable fibres won a Gold Medal with the Congratulations of Jury and a special merit award in the 45th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, Switzerland.
