As a supplier of PLA non woven materials, I’ve witnessed firsthand the growing interest in these eco – friendly products. PLA (Polylactic Acid) non woven fabric is a remarkable alternative to traditional non – woven materials, derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. With its sustainability and wide range of applications, it’s crucial to understand how to accurately test its physical properties. This knowledge not only ensures the quality of our products but also helps customers make informed decisions. PLA Non Woven
1. Tensile Strength Testing
Tensile strength is a fundamental physical property of PLA non woven. It measures the maximum stress a material can withstand while being stretched before breaking. To test the tensile strength of PLA non woven, we follow a standardized procedure.
First, we cut specimens of the non – woven fabric into a specific shape, usually a rectangular strip of a defined width and length. This standardization is key as it allows for consistent comparison between different samples. We use a precision cutting tool to ensure clean and accurate cuts.
Next, the specimens are placed in a universal testing machine. The machine clamps the ends of the specimen firmly to prevent slippage during the test. As the machine begins to stretch the specimen at a constant rate, it records the force applied and the corresponding elongation of the sample.
The test continues until the specimen breaks. At this point, we can calculate the tensile strength by dividing the maximum force recorded by the original cross – sectional area of the specimen. We typically conduct multiple tests on different specimens from the same batch to get an average tensile strength value and to account for any variations within the material.
High tensile strength in PLA non woven is vital for applications where the fabric will be subjected to pulling or stretching forces, such as in geotextiles or some types of packaging. If the tensile strength is too low, the fabric may tear or break easily, leading to product failure.
2. Tear Strength Testing
Tear strength indicates how well PLA non woven resists the propagation of a tear. Unlike tensile strength, which measures resistance to stretching, tear strength focuses on the ability to prevent an existing tear from spreading.
There are several methods to test tear strength, but a commonly used one is the Elmendorf tear test. In this test, we cut a specimen of the PLA non woven in a specific size and shape. A notch is then made at one end of the specimen to initiate a tear.
The specimen is placed in an Elmendorf tear tester. The tester is designed to use a pendulum to apply a sudden force to the specimen, causing the notch to tear further. The energy required to tear the specimen is measured and used to calculate the tear strength.
Tear strength is an important property for applications like surgical gowns or agricultural covers, where the fabric may encounter sharp objects or rough handling. A fabric with high tear strength can better withstand these challenges, ensuring the durability and functionality of the end – product.
3. Bursting Strength Testing
Bursting strength measures the ability of PLA non woven to withstand a concentrated force applied perpendicular to its surface. This property is relevant in applications where the fabric may be subjected to pressure from multiple directions, such as in filtration systems or some types of bags.
To test bursting strength, we use a bursting strength tester. A circular specimen of the PLA non woven is clamped firmly in the tester. A diaphragm is then pressed against the center of the specimen at a constant rate of pressure increase.
The test continues until the specimen bursts. The maximum pressure recorded at the moment of bursting is the bursting strength of the sample. Similar to other tests, multiple specimens are tested to obtain a reliable average value.
A high bursting strength is essential for products that need to hold fluids, solids, or withstand external pressure without rupture. For example, in a liquid – filter bag, if the bursting strength is insufficient, the bag may fail, leading to leakage and reduced filtration efficiency.
4. Thickness and Density Measurement
Thickness and density are basic but important physical properties of PLA non woven. The thickness affects the fabric’s insulation, absorbency, and durability, while the density can influence its strength and permeability.
To measure the thickness, we use a thickness gauge. The gauge is placed on the non – woven fabric, and a gentle pressure is applied to ensure accurate reading. We measure the thickness at multiple points across the specimen to account for any variations.
Density is calculated by dividing the mass of a known volume of the PLA non woven. First, we cut a specimen of a specific size and measure its mass using a precision balance. Then, we measure the volume of the specimen, which can be calculated by multiplying the area of the specimen by its average thickness.
Accurate thickness and density measurements are crucial for quality control and for determining the appropriate application of the PLA non woven. For example, in the production of thermal insulation materials, the thickness and density directly affect the insulating performance.
5. Air Permeability Testing
Air permeability describes the ability of PLA non woven to allow air to pass through it. This property is crucial in many applications, such as in clothing (for breathability), air filters, and some types of packaging.
We use an air permeability tester to measure this property. The specimen is clamped in the tester, and air is forced through it at a controlled pressure difference. The tester measures the volume of air that passes through a specific area of the specimen in a given time.
The air permeability value is important for ensuring comfort in clothing applications. If the air permeability is too low, the fabric may feel stuffy and cause discomfort to the wearer. In air filters, the appropriate air permeability is necessary for efficient filtration while maintaining a reasonable air flow rate.
6. Moisture Absorption Testing
Moisture absorption is another important property of PLA non woven, especially in applications where the fabric may come into contact with water or moisture. To test moisture absorption, we first weigh a dry specimen of the PLA non woven.
Then, we immerse the specimen in water for a specific period of time, usually under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. After the immersion, we remove the specimen, gently blot the surface water, and weigh it again.
The difference in weight before and after immersion represents the amount of moisture absorbed by the specimen. We express this as a percentage of the original dry weight.
Moisture absorption can affect the mechanical properties and performance of the PLA non woven. For example, excessive moisture absorption may reduce the fabric’s strength or cause it to deform. In applications like hygiene products, the moisture absorption property is critical for ensuring proper functionality.
Conclusion
PLA Non Woven Testing the physical properties of PLA non woven is a comprehensive process that involves multiple aspects. Each test provides valuable information about the material’s performance, allowing us to ensure the quality of our products and meet the diverse needs of our customers.
As a PLA non woven supplier, we are committed to providing high – quality materials. Through rigorous testing and quality control, we can offer products with consistent physical properties that meet or exceed industry standards.
If you are interested in sourcing PLA non woven materials for your specific application, whether it’s for packaging, filtration, or textile production, we’re here to help. We can provide you with in – depth product information and assist you in selecting the most suitable PLA non woven based on the required physical properties. Feel free to initiate a contact with us to start a discussion about your procurement needs. We look forward to working with you and contributing to your success.
References
- ASTM International standards for non – woven fabric testing.
- Technical literature on PLA materials and their properties.
- Industry reports on the testing and application of non – woven fabrics.
Wenzhou Lianhai Bag Co., Ltd.
Wenzhou Lianhai Bag Co., Ltd. is one of the leading pla non woven manufacturers and suppliers in China. We warmly welcome you to wholesale bulk pla non woven in stock here and get pricelist and quotation from our factory. All products made in China are with high quality and competitive price.
Address: Building 2 of No.1299-1415,Keji Road, Longgang,Wenzhou city, Zhejiang Province,
E-mail: lhg@lianhaibag.com
WebSite: https://www.wenzhoulianhaibag.com/
