Chemical Properties of Poly lactic Acid

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is known to be biocompatible and biodegradable, and it can be readily broken down by a hydrolysis reaction. PLA is derived from renewable agricultural resources, such as com and cassava. Mass production of PLA can lead to high consumption of agricultural yields, which increases the farm economy. Moreover, the production of PLA helps to reduce CO2 emissions when used in place of conventional petroleum-based commodity plastics, as the agrieultural activities involve significant carbon fixation. 

PLA is a biodegradable polymer that has been widely studied and is used for domestic packaging, and biomedical apphcations, such as resorbable sutures, surgical implants, scaffolds for tissue engineering and controlled dmg-deliveiy devices. PLA can exist as two stereoisomers, designated as D and L, or as a racemic mixture, designated as DL. The D and L forms are optically active while the DL form is optically inactive. Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(D-lactic acid) (PDLA) are semicrystalline, 

PLA means there is a sustainable future for plastic materials globally. 

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Qin, L., Qiu, J., Liu, M. et al. (2010) Mechanical and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid) composites with rice straw fiber modified by poly(butyl acrylate). Chemical Engineering Journal, 166, 772-778. 

Carrasco, E., Pages, P., Gamez-Perez, J., Santana, O.O., Maspoch, M.L. Processing of poly (lactic acid) Characterization of chemical structure, thermal stability and mechanical properties. Polym. Degrad. Stab. 95, 116-125 (2010)... 

Figure 8.6 Barrier properties of commercial PHA resins compared to other bio- and oil-based polymers used for packaging, as measured by oxygen and water permeabilities, (PS1540 Polystyrene from Arkema PP7712 Polypropylene from Total Chemical Company PLA7001D Poly(lactic acid) from Natureworks P228 PHA from Biomer MirelF1006 3002 PHA from Metabolix Enmal YIOOOP PHA from Tianin Biologic PA MXD6 PHA from Mitsubishi Chemical Company).

Bodros and Baley [37] studied the tensile properties of water retted nettle fibers. Bacci et al. [39] investigated fiber yield of nettle cultivation and quality of fibers extracted by alkalization. Bacci et al. [38] compared the effects of different fiber extraction method combinations including water retting, mechanical decortication and enzymatic treatments on resultant fibers chemical composition and tensile properties. Bajpai et al. [40,41] prepared nettle fiber-reinforced poly lactic acid (PLA) and PP composites by compression molding. Bajpai et al. [42] studied the effects of various environments on the tensile strength of nettle fiber-reinforced PP composites. 

Hossain, K.Z., Ahmed, I., Parsons, A., Scotchford, C., Walker, G., Thielemans, W., et al. Physico-chemical and mechanical properties of nanocomposites prepared using cellulose nanowhiskers and poly(lactic acid). J. Mater. Sci. 47, 2675-2686 (2012)... 

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