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Article: Mass-producible method to double strength of biodegradable fibre.(Textiles and fibres)
- Article from:
- New Materials Asia
- Article date:
- August 1, 2006
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 International Newsletters. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Japanese nanotechnology research company KRI Inc has developed a process that doubles the strength of biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) fibres made from corn.
The company, a subsidiary of Osaka Gas Co Ltd, made use of a proprietary filler material to enhance the binding strength between the molecules in the fibre. KRI now aims to commercialize the technology within two years, having it ready for mass production.
Polylactic acid fibre does not use petroleum as its raw material and will naturally decompose. It is used to make products such as in agricultural as transparent films for the protection of produce from rain and insects.
The filler is ...