 |
Cleaning technology No. 10 |
| |
Arrival of polylactic acid fiber |
|
A positive outcome is eventually being reached in the on-going development of bio-degradable plastics. The production of polylactic acid resins, such as Mitsui Chemical's 'Lacea', can depend for their
raw material on corn, the world's most mass-produced grain, seem to avoid large-scale fossil fuel consumption.
Attempts are intensifying in the further development of new fibers based on polylactic acid resins. Kanebo Gohsen has already been working on the merchandising of the corn-based fiber 'Lactron'.
It has also been reported that Kanebo Gosen, together with Lecien Corporation, is seeking further market penetration for this fiber related to the protection of the environment.
Attention from the standpoint of cleaning technology should be drawn to this fiber, degradable when disposed of in soil and reusable as compost. The question is how resistant it is to solvents. Is
it designed to withstand cleaning solvents? It is possible, in this wet-cleaning favoring age, that the new fiber is incompatible with dry cleaning.
Above all, being 'bio-degradable' means, directly and specifically, no more or less than subject to rotting or becoming moldy.
That then signifies anti-bacterial treatment as a means to turn biologically degradable materials into non-degradables. The development of synthetic fibers has also been the development of fibers
that never rot. Basic points should always be kept in mind.
(T.T.)
|
|
|