Heat-resistant polylactide fibers: An in-depth review of research developments

Xingang Li; Amjad Farooq; Ming Hua; Ying Pan; Peiyan Yu; Mengting Jian; Lirong Yao; Can Gao; Gangwei Pan

doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.145475

Heat-resistant polylactide fibers: An in-depth review of research developments

Int J Biol Macromol. 2025 Jun 23;319(Pt 2):145475. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.145475. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Xingang Li¹, Amjad Farooq¹, Ming Hua¹, Ying Pan¹, Peiyan Yu¹, Mengting Jian¹, Lirong Yao¹, Can Gao², Gangwei Pan³

Affiliations

¹ National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Technical Fiber Composites for Safety and Protection, School of Textile and Clothing, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China.
² National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Technical Fiber Composites for Safety and Protection, School of Textile and Clothing, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China. Electronic address: gaocan@ntu.edu.cn.
³ National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Technical Fiber Composites for Safety and Protection, School of Textile and Clothing, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China. Electronic address: pangangwei@ntu.edu.cn.

PMID: 40562134
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.145475

Abstract

Polylactide (PLA), a degradable bio-based polymer, is widely used in bio-based fibers due to its excellent processability, low cost, and environmental friendliness, which supports the solution of global pollution and environmental problems. However, pure PLA fibers exhibit poor thermal stability and mechanical properties in high-temperature scenarios, significantly limiting their practical applications. Additionally, existing literature lacks comprehensive and systematic reviews on strategies for optimizing their high-temperature performance. This review critically examines the methods and recent advancements in enhancing the thermal stability of PLA fibers, with a particular focus on synergistic approaches that improve both thermal and mechanical properties. We emphasize that balancing superior heat resistance with retained mechanical integrity remains a pivotal challenge for future research. Furthermore, this review explores the promising applications of heat-resistant PLA fibers in automotive, textile, medical, and smart wearable industries, underscoring their vast potential in advancing fiber technology.

Keywords: Heat-resistant PLA fiber; PLA fiber; Polylactide; Synergistically modifying.

Publication types

Review