Abstract
Stereocomplex-type polylactic acid (SCPLA) is gaining attention in the various field due to its melting point of 220℃, which is higher than that of pure poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and poly-D-lactic acid (PDLA). However, exposure of polylactic acid (PLA) to environmental agents such as sunlight, water, heat, degrades its mechanical properties. This study reports the effect of water and high temperature environment on properties of PLA fiber. When SCPLA fiber was immersed in water at high temperature, tensile strength drastically decreased with the hydrolysis of SCPLA. Compared to the PLLA fiber, however, SCPLA fiber had a greater resistance to hydrolysis. When SCPLA fiber and PLLA fiber were immersed in water at high temperature, sem examination of these fibers revealed regular patterns of cracks running in the vertical direction to the fiber axis.
