USE OF POLYLACTIC ACID POWDERS IN THE MANUFACTURING OF BEVERAGE FILTER FIBERS

摘要

A non-woven mono-component, mono-constituent poly lactic acid (PLA) web is disclosed. The web material is useful for production of infused and brewed beverage filtering media such as tea bags and other pouches and filters. The nonwoven network of PLA fibers in mono-component, mono-constituent configuration provides enhanced liquid infusion properties, superior wet strength and weight properties that surpass current beverage bags and pouches because of its unique composition and structure. The manufacture of Biodegradable Tea and Coffee filter fabrics utilizing PLA powders in place of low melt mono-component, mono-constituent fibers to improve fabric elongation and reduce cost. The addition of a Chlorine scavenger allows preserving the taste and essence of the beverage.

主权项

1. A nonwoven web for producing beverage infusion pouches and bags, consisting of:
a plurality of mono-component mono-constituent Polylactic Acid (PLA) fibers for forming a non-woven web through dry thermo-bonding; said mono-component mono-constituent Polylactic Acid (PLA) fibers having a crystalline portion; an amorphous PLA powder added to said mono-constituent Polylactic Acid (PLA) fibers, said PLA powder having a melting point below the melting point of said mono-component, mono-constituent PLA fibers; said mono-component mono-constituent PLA fibers and PLA powders forming together pore sizes of said non-woven web that are maintained when infused with hot or non-heated liquids for enhancing flow; said non-woven web containing no plasticizers or surface treatment additives, and formed without the use of plasticizers and surface treatments; and said non-woven web is biodegradable and recyclable.