The development of biodegradable and eco-sustainable materials for the production of textiles fibers has gained significant attention due to the growing demand for environmentally friendly materials. Polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) are prominent biopolymers used in this context. Their inherent limitations, such as brittleness, low thermal stability, and poor processability, have necessitated the use of plasticizers, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, and antimicrobial agents to tailor their properties. However, the intrinsic toxicity of the traditionally used additives leads to the increasing interest in bio-based modifiers, able to reduce both the environmental impact and to increase the safety of the traditional textile industry [1-3].

In this work, the production of multifunctional compounds based on PLA, PBS, and PHB for textile industry has been explored. To modify the properties of these matrices, novel bio-based additives (plasticizers, antioxidants, UV stabilizers, and antimicrobial agents) were incorporated within the neat polymers. The multifunctional compounds were produced through melt compounding and hot pressing and were then characterized from a microstructural and thermos-mechanical point of view. The most promising compositions were then extruded in filaments, with the aim to explore their potential for sustainable textile applications.

References

1. L. Zhang, Y. Zhou, X. Jiang, Y. Lian, J. Gao, Y. Qin, J. Hu, D. Xing, M. Peijnenburg, J. Zhou Environ. Sci. Technol. 2023, 57, 1, 16.
2. B. Bilitewski, R. Darbra, D. Barceló (eds), Global Risk-Based Management of Chemical Additives I. The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry, Vol. 18, 2011, Berlin, Heidelberg, Springer.
3. A.K. Roy Choudhury, Environmental Impacts of the Textile Industry and Its Assessment Through Life Cycle Assessment, in S. Muthu (eds), Roadmap to Sustainable Textiles and Clothing, Textile Science and Clothing Technology, 2014, Singapore, Springer.

Acknowledgments

Progetto "Finanziato dall’Unione europea- Next Generation EU, Missione 4 Componente 2 - CUP E53D23005310006 "