Green Engineered Polypropylene Biodegradable Fibers Through Blending with Recycled Poly(lactic) Acid Plastic Wastes

The modification of polypropylene (PP) fibers via blending with recycled poly(lactic) acid (r-PLA) flakes by a melt spinning method was investigated. Mechanical and morphological properties, biodegradability, differential scanning calorimetery (DSC) analysis, and dyeing behavior were carried out for physical and structural characterization of the fiber samples. The results showed that the PP/r-PLA blend fibers with the different blend ratios could be successfully melt spun along with suitable continuity. Acceptable tenacity and initial modulus and suitable biodegradability were obtained for the modified PP fibers. Dye uptake of the modified PP fiber samples was improved and the washing and light fastness of some them were excellent.