Biodegradable fibers and fabrics, and method for controlling their biodegradability

摘要

Biodegradable fibers of polylactic acid having a number-average molecular weight of from 50,000 to 150,000, have an interior portion having a higher alkali solubility than the exterior portion of the fiber. The fibers also have from 5 to 50 cracks/10 cm. The physical properties of these fibers are suitable for practical use, and the biodegradation of these fibers is controllable.