Are the physical properties of PLA nonwovens suitable for use in medical or sanitary products?

Polylactic acid is a bio-based polymer made from renewable resources (such as corn starch, sugar cane, etc.). The nonwovens made from it have a variety of excellent physical properties, making it very suitable for use in the field of medical and sanitary products. The following will elaborate on its applicability from multiple aspects.

1. Breathability and hygroscopicity
PLA Biodegradable Non Woven Fabric have good breathability and hygroscopicity, which is one of its very important characteristics in medical and sanitary products. In medical environments, such as surgical gowns, protective clothing, masks, bandages, etc., good breathability helps reduce user discomfort and avoids stuffiness and skin irritation caused by long-term wear. At the same time, hygroscopicity helps absorb sweat or body fluids, keep the skin dry, and improve comfort.

For example, when making disposable surgical gowns or isolation gowns, the breathability of PLA nonwovens can effectively reduce fatigue of medical staff and improve work efficiency. In sanitary napkins or diapers, hygroscopicity helps to quickly absorb liquids and keep users dry and hygienic.

2. Strength and friction resistance
PLA biodegradable nonwoven fabric has high mechanical strength and good friction resistance, which makes it excellent in medical products that need to withstand certain stretching or friction. For example, when making medical bandages, gauze, wound dressings and other products, the strength and friction resistance of the material are directly related to the service life and safety of the product.

In addition, the fiber structure of PLA nonwoven fabric is stable and not easy to tear, so it is not easy to break during repeated use or transportation, thereby reducing safety hazards during use.

3. Natural antibacterial properties
PLA biodegradable nonwoven fabric itself has certain antibacterial properties, which is a major advantage in medical and sanitary products. Studies have shown that PLA materials can inhibit the growth of bacteria under certain conditions and reduce the risk of microbial contamination. This property is particularly important for medical products that need to maintain high hygiene standards, such as surgical instrument kits, sterile dressings, disposable gloves, etc.

Compared with traditional polyester or polypropylene non-woven fabrics, PLA non-woven fabrics can also provide a certain antibacterial effect without adding additional antimicrobial agents, which not only reduces production costs, but also reduces the potential impact of chemical additives on the environment and human health.

4. Flexibility and lightness
PLA biodegradable non-woven fabrics have good flexibility and lightness, which makes them widely used in medical and sanitary products. For example, when making baby diapers, sanitary napkins, medical masks, protective clothing and other products, the lightness and softness can improve the comfort and fit of the products, especially for infants and people with sensitive skin.

In addition, the flexibility of PLA non-woven fabrics also makes it less likely to break when folded, curled or cut, which is convenient for processing and packaging, and improves production efficiency.

5. Biodegradability and environmental protection
Although this point is more of an environmental performance, it also has an important impact on the post-use treatment of medical and sanitary products. PLA non-woven fabric is a biodegradable material that can be decomposed into carbon dioxide and water under industrial composting conditions and will not cause long-term pollution to the environment. This is especially important for disposable medical and sanitary products, as they are usually discarded after use. If non-degradable materials are used, it will impose a greater burden on the environment.

Therefore, medical and sanitary products made of PLA non-woven fabrics are not only safe and comfortable during use, but also can achieve sustainable environmental management after disposal, which is in line with modern medical and environmental protection concepts.

6. Processing performance and production efficiency
PLA non-woven fabrics show good spinnability and plasticity during processing, and are suitable for making non-woven fabric products with different structures and functions through processes such as hot pressing, needle punching, and spunlace. This processing performance makes PLA non-woven fabrics have high flexibility and efficiency in the production process, which helps to reduce production costs and improve product consistency and quality stability.

PLA non-woven fabrics are very suitable for use in the field of medical and sanitary products due to their excellent air permeability, hygroscopicity, strength, antibacterial properties, flexibility, lightness and good biodegradability. These physical properties not only improve the comfort and safety of the product, but also meet the current requirements for environmental protection and sustainable development.