How is the antibacterial property of PLA Biodegradable Staple Fiber achieved?

PLA is a bio-based, biodegradable polymer material. The pH value of PLA Biodegradable Staple Fibers made from it is usually between 6 and 6.5 in the natural environment, showing the characteristics of weak acidity. This weak acid environment not only matches the weak acid environment of human skin, enhancing the comfort and compatibility of wearing, but also provides a natural antibacterial barrier for PLA Biodegradable Staple Fibers. Because many harmful bacteria are restricted in the growth of weak acid environments, this characteristic of PLA Biodegradable Staple Fibers helps to reduce bacterial growth and keep fiber products clean and hygienic.
In order to further improve the antibacterial properties of PLA Biodegradable Staple Fibers, specific antibacterial agents are usually added during the production process. The mechanisms of action of these antibacterial agents are varied, but one of the common and efficient methods is to use silver-loaded zirconium phosphate as an antibacterial agent. The ion exchange and affinity of Ag-ZrP allow it to be used as a carrier to effectively fix and control the release of antibacterial metal ions, silver ions. Silver ions have strong antibacterial ability, can destroy the cell wall and cell membrane of bacteria, and interfere with the metabolism and reproduction process of bacteria. In addition, silver ions can also bind to proteins and DNA inside bacteria, causing bacterial inactivation. In the production process of PLA Biodegradable Staple Fibers, Ag-ZrP can be evenly dispersed in the fibers by co-spinning. In this way, when the PLA Biodegradable Staple Fibers come into contact with bacteria, silver ions can be gradually released to play an efficient antibacterial role.
Factors such as the amount of Ag-ZrP added, the uniformity of dispersion, and the spinning process of the fibers will affect the antibacterial properties of PLA Biodegradable Staple Fibers. Therefore, these factors need to be strictly controlled during the production process to ensure the antibacterial effect of the fibers.
In addition to adding antibacterial agents, the antibacterial properties of PLA Biodegradable Staple Fibers can also be improved by optimizing the microstructure of PLA Biodegradable Staple Fibers. This mainly includes adjusting parameters such as fiber diameter and porosity. A finer fiber diameter can increase the contact area between the fiber and bacteria, thereby improving the antibacterial effect. This is because fine fibers can more effectively adsorb and wrap bacteria, making it easier for antibacterial ingredients such as silver ions to contact bacteria and take effect. At the same time, the high-porosity fiber structure can increase air circulation and water evaporation inside the fiber, which is conducive to keeping the PLA biodegradable short fiber dry and clean. In addition, the pore structure can also serve as a storage and release channel for antibacterial ingredients, further improving its antibacterial properties.