Research & Development

By Kota Nakamura, Ryosuke Sakae, Hisatoshi Tanaka and Munekazu Matoba, Toray Industries, Japan

Liquid crystal polyester (LCP) filament yarns made from thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer are a type of “super fiber,” which include para-aramid and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).Since the mass production of LCP filament yarns began in the 1990s, demand has expanded owing to their unique characteristics, such as high tenacity, high modulus, low water absorption and heat resistance.

By C. Burgstaller and B.M. Lekube, Transfercenter für Kunststofftechnik, Wels, Austria, and S. Riepler and W. Hermann, IFG Asota, Linz, Austria

In this work, we investigated the suitability of a bio-based elastomer to modify polylactic acid (PLA) towards more elasticity, in combination with a reactive coupling agent. We found that this is possible in general, but the processing of the materials has to be carried out with care so as not to locally cross-link the materials, which would result in a reduction of properties.

With global fiber production now exceeding 100 million tons – and growing at 3-4% a year – non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which focus on all parts of the textile value chain, are increasingly drawing attention to the fiber industry and producing unfavorable, critical reports. Textile products are placing huge pressures on the Earth’s resources and polluting the environment.