How is polylactic acid synthesized?
bio-absorbable, bio-degradable and bio-based. Now, the synthesis of PLA polymers can be performed by direct polycondensation of lactic acid as well as by ring-opening polymerization of lactide (LA), a cyclic dimer of lactic acid. Consequently, ROP of l-lactide is adopted in the ordinary industrial production of PLLA.
How do you synthesize high molecular weight PLA?
High molecular weight PLA has been synthesized by ring opening polymerization of lactide [22, 23] by a multistep process, using catalysts (zinc, lead, tin and aluminium), initiators (n-, sec- and tert-butyl lithium) and solvents (chloroform, toluene, xylene and diphenyl ether) combinations.
How is lactic acid polymerised?
The polymerization process of lactic acid is initiated by dehydration of the monomer, which generates a prepolymer chains consisting of oligomers and low molecular weight PLA. This process, starting from lactic acid involves three distinct stages: polycondensation, obtaining lactide and ring-opening polymerization.
Is lactic acid a monomer?
Two main monomers are used: lactic acid, and the cyclic di-ester, lactide.
Is polylactic acid synthetic polymer?
Among the different synthetic polymers, PLA has more biocompatibility and biodegradability and is the synthetic polymer most commonly used in scaffolds.
How do you polymerize PLA?
PLA can be synthesized in two ways: the first is direct polycondensation of lactic acid and the second is ring opening polymerization of lactide. In direct condensation, solvent is used and higher reaction times are required. The resulting polymer has low molecular weight and poor mechanical properties.
Is PLA a plastic?
PLA is one of two common plastics used on FDM machines (3D printing) and is commonly available as a 3D printable filament; the other common 3D printer plastic is ABS. PLA filament for 3D printing is typically available in a myriad of colors.
What is Jem’s law?
Jem’s Law states that the global PLA market demand doubles every 3–4 years. Fig. 7 plots the growth trend at an annual growth rate at 26% against the global PLA plants’ capacities, and the available PLA production plants in the World.
What is the monomer of PLA?
Polylactic acid (PLA) is biodegradable hydrolyzable aliphatic semicrystalline polyester produced through the direct condensation reaction of its monomer, lactic acid, as the oligomer, and followed by a ring-opening polymerization of the cyclic lactide dimer.
Why is lactic acid produced?
Intense Exercise. When you exercise, your body uses oxygen to break down glucose for energy. During intense exercise, there may not be enough oxygen available to complete the process, so a substance called lactate is made.