Biodegradability Modification of Synthetic Polyamide 6 Fibers ‎via in-Situ Melt Blending with Recycled Poly ‌‎(Lactic) Acid Plastic ‎Food Container Flakes during the Melt Spinning Process

Nylon or polyamide is one of the most used and most important polymers used in the plastic and fiber industries of the world. For this reason, its use is less sensitive to the properties of its very poor biodegradability. Therefore, the aim of the present study was the biodegradability modification of synthetic polyamide 6 (pa6) fibers via in-situ melt blending with recycled poly (lactic) acid plastic food container flakes (r-PLA) during the melt spinning process.

In this experimental study, polyamide chips 6 in textile industry and Poly (Lactic) Acid Plastic Disposable Container Flakes were used. The weight loss, mechanical properties, and surface morphology variations of pure and modified fiber samples after soil burial test were analyzed for comprehensive biodegradability study of the modified fiber samples. Data were analyzed by One-Way Analysis of Variance.

The mechanical tests performed on Norris fiber showed successful production of blend fibers with the percentages of 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 of the components of r-PLA and A 50% r-PLA fiber sample did not have acceptable mechanical properties. The changes of PA6/r-PLA blended fibers with a significant increase in r-PLA component in the PA6 substrate were significant.

The blend modified of PA6 and Poly (Lactic) recycled samples, with a composition containing from 5% to 40% of the dispersed recycled poly-lactic acid fraction have successfully melt spinning capability. By increasing the percentage of recycled poly lactic acid in the blended fibers, the mechanical properties show improvement in samples of 5% and 10% by weight and show reduction in higher percentages. Iincreasing the biodegradability of modified PA 6 fibers with increasing the r-PLA content is obviously confirmed.