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Polylactic acid (PLA): Research, development and industrialization
Author(s) -
Pang Xuan,
Zhuang Xiuli,
Tang Zhaohui,
Chen Xuesi
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
biotechnology journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.144
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1860-7314
pISSN - 1860-6768
DOI - 10.1002/biot.201000135
Subject(s) - polylactic acid , lactic acid , polyester , biodegradation , biocompatibility , materials science , polymer , polyethylene terephthalate , biodegradable polymer , polymerization , chemical engineering , polymer chemistry , polymer science , organic chemistry , chemistry , composite material , biology , bacteria , engineering , genetics , metallurgy
Polylactide (PLA) is a biodegradable, aliphatic polyester derived from lactic acid. It has similar mechanical properties to polyethylene terephthalate, but has a significantly lower maximum continuous use temperature. PLA products can be recycled after use either by remelting and processing the material a second time or by hydrolyzing to lactic acid, the basic chemical. In this review, the technologies for polymerization of the lactic acid and the comparison of physical, thermal and mechanical properties, biodegradability, and biocompatibility of the PLA and copolymers with other similar polymers are described.