What is the degradation process of biodegradable yarn? How long does it take to completely degrade?

Biodegradable yarn is an environmentally friendly material that has received increasing attention with the rise of sustainable fashion and green textiles. Understanding its degradation process and the time required not only helps to evaluate its environmental performance, but also provides more information for consumers. This article will explore the degradation mechanism of biodegradable yarn and related time factors.

1. Degradation process
The degradation process of biodegradable yarn mainly includes two stages: physical degradation and biodegradation:

Physical degradation
Under the influence of environmental conditions (such as temperature, humidity and sunlight), biodegradable yarn first undergoes physical degradation. At this stage, the surface of the yarn will be affected by environmental factors, cracks and tiny damage will appear, resulting in changes in the material structure. This change makes the subsequent biodegradation process smoother.

Biodegradation
Biodegradation refers to the decomposition of biodegradable yarn into simpler compounds (such as water, carbon dioxide and biomass) under the action of microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, etc.). Microorganisms use organic matter in yarn as a nutrient source, thereby converting it into substances that are harmless to the environment. The speed of this process is affected by a variety of factors, including the composition of the yarn, ambient temperature, humidity, and the activity of microorganisms.

2. Degradation time
The degradation time of biodegradable yarns varies depending on the type of material and environmental conditions. Generally speaking, the degradation time of biodegradable yarns can range from a few months to a few years. Here are some references to the degradation time of some common materials:

PLA (polylactic acid) yarn: It can usually be degraded within 6 months to 2 years in an industrial composting environment.

PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) yarn: Under suitable environmental conditions, it usually takes 1 to 5 years to completely degrade.

Natural fibers (such as cotton and linen): These natural fibers can usually be degraded within a few months to a year in the natural environment.

3. Influencing factors
Degradation time is affected by a variety of factors, including:

Temperature and humidity: Higher temperatures and humidity usually accelerate the activity of microorganisms, thereby speeding up the degradation process.

Oxygen supply: Aerobic environments are generally more conducive to biodegradation than anaerobic environments.

Material composition: Different polymers and natural fibers also behave differently during the degradation process.