The Preparation and Characterization of Melt-spun PLA Multifilament Modified with Myrrh Extract

One of the ways to provide new functionalities for a textile product is the insertion of natural ingredients into the process of its manufacture. One of methods for formation multifilament yarns is melt spinning. During melt spinning process is possible to use additives on/in polymer and to form multicomponent yarns with various functionalities. Melt spun yarns are ideal for application in medicine field [1,2].
Polylactide (PLA) polymer is produce from synthesized nonpetroleum sources (most often from corn). It has good biocompatibility, biodegradability by enzymes and hydrolysis under physiological conditions, and antibacterial activity. Due it is used for medical products[3,4].
Natural resin as Myrrh is an aromatic gum resin obtained from a small tree. It is consisted of alcohol-soluble resins and volatile oil together with a gum soluble in water containing polysaccharides, proteins, and long chain aliphatic derivatives. The lipophilic part of myrrh is composed of steroids, sterols, and terpenes. Myrrh for a long time was used as a natural medicine and as an antibacterial material for wound dressing [5,6].The aim of the research is to investigate the influence of myrrh extract on PLA pellets on the melt spinning process and formed multifilament yarns mechanical properties at different multifilament yarns draw ratio.
It was estimated that melt spun multifilament yarns from PLA with myrrh extract have higher linear density, lower breaking force and higher elongation at break comparing with pure PLA multifilament yarns. The increase of draw ration cause the decrease of multifilament yarns linear density, decrease breaking force, increase elongation at break.