Colour masterbatches and their use in polylactic acid fibres dyeing

Abstract This article is focused on the preparation of colour masterbatches from renewable sources based on polylactic acid, which were modified with inorganic pigments. Titanium dioxide, carbon black, and iron oxides were used as inorganic pigments. Due to the composition of the prepared colour PLA masterbatches, the influence of the inorganic pigment on the rheological and thermal properties was monitored. Rheological properties were determined using a capillary viscosimeter and a rotary rheoviscosimeter with a geometry plate/plate. The colour PLA masterbatches prepared in this way were subsequently used to dye polylactic acid fibres in the mass. The prepared fibres were drawn to the maximum drawn ratio λmax. In case of fibres, the influence of composition and drawn ratio on thermal and mechanical properties was monitored.