In the dazzling clothing market, we are often attracted by styles and designs, but rarely delve into the secrets of fabrics that cling to the skin. PLA fiber, a green material that combines excellent performance with environmental concepts, is quietly changing the future of the textile industry. Today, let us explore how to accurately identify PLA fiber and unveil its unique veil.
PLA fiber, as a revolutionary eco-friendly fiber, originates from the deep pursuit of sustainable development. It uses renewable plant resources such as corn, cassava, and straw as raw materials, and is converted into biodegradable polyester fibers through high-tech biological fermentation and chemical synthesis. This fiber not only reduces dependence on non-renewable resources such as petroleum during production but also naturally degrades into carbon dioxide and water after disposal, returning to the natural cycle and achieving full lifecycle green management from source to end. Fabrics made from PLA fiber are ideal for fashion, casual wear, sporting goods, and even sanitary products, due to their excellent feel, good drapability, UV resistance, and low flammability.
To identify PLA fiber, microscopic observation is the first step. Under the microscope, the cross-section of PLA fiber exhibits a nearly circular outline, while the longitudinal section shows smooth surfaces with visible spots. This unique morphological structure provides intuitive evidence for professional inspectors.
Burn testing is another important method for identifying PLA fiber. When PLA fiber comes into contact with a flame, it quickly melts and burns, releasing a unique sweet odor that other fibers do not. During burning, the flame appears transparent blue, and the residue left behind is a light gray or pale yellow gel-like substance. These characteristic features make PLA fiber stand out among many fibers.
To further explore the physical and chemical properties of PLA fiber, melting point tests and infrared spectroscopy analyses are indispensable tools. PLA fiber begins to melt around 150℃, with a melting point range between 165℃~170℃. This characteristic distinguishes it from common fibers like polyester and nylon. Meanwhile, infrared spectroscopy can reveal the presence of ester characteristic absorption peaks within PLA fiber, further confirming its identity as a member of the polyester family. By analyzing the differences in vibration intensity at specific frequencies, it can effectively differentiate PLA fiber from other fibers such as polyester.
Finally, chemical solubility tests provide another dimension for identifying PLA fiber. In specific chemical solvents, PLA fiber can dissolve in dichloromethane and boiling dimethylformamide. This characteristic distinctly contrasts it with other fibers like polyester in terms of chemical solubility. This method of identification based on chemical properties offers strong support for the precise recognition of PLA fiber.
In summary, through the combined use of microscopic observation, burn tests, melting point and infrared spectroscopy analyses, and chemical solubility tests, we can effectively identify PLA fiber, a green eco-friendly material. In the future, with increasing environmental awareness and continuous technological advancements, PLA fiber is bound to play a more significant role in the textile industry, leading us towards a greener and more sustainable way of life.
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