The influence of yarn-processing parameters on the tensile properties and structure of poly(l-lactic acid) fibres

This paper examines the influence of processing parameters on the physical properties and structure of yarns constructed from poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) fibres. Commercially produced spun- and false-twist texturised (FTT) PLLA yarns, and knitted fabrics derived there from were characterised in terms of their tensile properties, and structurally using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide angle X-ray diffraction. The effects of pre-dye heat-setting at 130 °C for varying times was assessed in terms of the resultant tensile properties of the yarns. The as-received FTT yarns (and hence their derived fabrics) differed in properties and fibre microstructure as compared to the spun yarns (and fabrics). More significantly, for both FTT and spun materials, differences in fibre properties and structure were observed between yarns removed from the fabrics and their respective feed-yarns. We associate this with possible thermomechanical influences experienced by the fibres during the knitting process. The duration of heat-setting influenced the tensile properties and DSC spectra for both types of yarn. Scouring following heat-setting was also carried out, and this produced no measurable additional effect on the spun yarns, but FTT yarns heat-set for less than ca 45 s showed instability to scouring.