Poly(lactic acid) Synthesis, Structures, Properties, Processing, and Applications

by Auras, Rafael A.; Lim, Loong-Tak; Selke, Susan E. M.; Tsuji, Hideto

• ISBN13: 9780470293669
• ISBN10: 0470293667
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2010-10-19
• Publisher: Wiley

Summary

This book describes the synthesis, properties, and processing methods of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), an important family of degradable plastics. As the need for environmentally-friendly packaging materials increases, consumers and companies are in search for new materials that are largely produced from renewable resources, and are recyclable. To that end, an overall theme of the book is the biodegradability, recycling, and sustainability benefits of PLA.The chapters, from a base of international expert contributors, describe specific processing methods, spectroscopy techniques for PLA analysis, and and applications in medical items, packaging, and environmental use.

Author Biography

Rafael Auras is an Assistant Professor in the School of Packaging at Michigan State University. He has authored or coauthored more than sixty publications. His research areas include mass transfer in polymers, biodegradable and compostable polymers, life cycle assessment, packaging waste, and sustainable packaging systems.

Loong-Tak Lim is an Associate Professor in the Department of Food Science at the University of Guelph. Dr. Lim is author and coauthor of more than twenty journal articles, a holder of three patents, and has given twenty-one conference presentations.

Susan Selke is Professor and Associate Director in the School of Packaging at Michigan State University. Her research activities and interests include life-cycle analysis, biodegradable and biobased plastics, plastics composites, active packaging, microcellular foaming of plastics, plastics recycling, and related areas. She has authored or coauthored more than 170 publications, including nine books.

Hideto Tsuji is a Professor in the Department of Ecological Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering at Toyohashi University of Technology. He has authored or coauthored more than a hundred academic papers, has edited three books, and holds twelve patents.

Table of Contents

List of Contributors

Preface

Chemistry and Production of Lactic Acid, Lactide and Poly(LACTIC ACID)

Production and Purification of Lactic Acid and Lactide

Introduction

Lactic acid

Lactide

References

Chemistry and Thermodynamic Properties of Lactic acid and Lactide and Solvent Miscibility

General properties

Thermodynamic properties

Miscibility properties of lactic acid and lactide

References

Industrial Production of High Molecular Weight Poly(lactic acid)

Introduction

Lactic acid based polymers by polycondensation

Lactic acid based polymers by chain-extension

Lactic acid based polymers by ring-opening polymerization

References

Design and Synthesis of Different types of poly(lactic acid)

Introduction

Copolymerization

Properties of copolymers

References

Structure and Properties of Stereocomplex-type Poly(lactic acid)

Introduction

Formation of stereocomplex crystals

Thermal properties of sc-PLA

Crystal structure of sc-PLA

Formation of sb-PLA

Applications of sc-PLA

References

Properties of Poly(LACTIC ACID)

Chemical Structure of Poly(lactic acid)

Introduction

Chain structure and configuration

Syndiotactic polymerization and syndiotacticity

Conformation

Amorphous structure and thermal properties

Orientation structure of PLA

Semi-crystalline structure

Frustrated structure

Molecular weight

Summary

References

Chemical Compatibility of Poly(lactic acid) A Practical Framework using Hansen Solubility Parameters

A practical framework?

Solvent compatibility

Plasticizers

Polymer compatibility

Environmental stress cracking

Rational composite/nanocomposite design

Diffusion & Barrier properties

Pharmacological transport

Summary

References

Optical Properties

Introduction

Absorption and Transmission of UV-Vis Radiation

Refractive Index

Specific Optical Rotation

Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy

1H and 13C NMR Spectroscopy

References

Crystallization and Thermal Properties

Introduction

Crystallinity and crystallization

Crystallization regimes

Fibers

Hydrolytic degradation

References

Rheology of Poly(lactic acid)

Introduction

Fundamental chain properties from dilute solution viscometry

Processing of PLA: General Considerations

Melt Rheology: An Overview

Processing of PLA: Melt Rheology

Conclusions

References

Description of the Software

Mechanical Properties

Introduction

General mechanical properties and molecular weight effect

Temperature effect

Annealing

Orientation

Stereoregularity

Plasticization

Relaxation and aging

Conclusions

References

Permeation, Sorption, and Diffusion in Poly(lactic acid)

Introduction

Factors affecting permeability, sorption, and diffusion in PLA

Permeability, sorption, and diffusion of pure PLA

Copolymers

PLA blends

PLA laminations

Coated PLA

PLA composites and fibers

PLA nanocomposites

Future of PLA membranes

References

Migration

Migration principles

Legislation

Migration and toxicological data of lactic acid, lactide, dimers and oligomers

Estimated daily intake of lactic acid

Other potential migrants from PLA

Conclusions

References

Processing and Conversion of Poly(LACTIC ACID)

Properties of Poly(lactic acid)

Introduction

Properties of PLA Relevant to Processing

Modification of PLA Properties by Process Aids and Other Additives

Drying

Extrusion

Injection Molding

Film and Sheet Casting

Stretch Blow Molding

Extrusion Blown Film

Thermoforming

Electrospinning

CONCLUSION: PROSPECTS OF PLA POLYMERS

References

Poly(lactic acid)/Starch Blends

Introduction

Blending Hydrophobic PLA with Hydrophilic Starch

Compatibilizers Used for Starch/PLA Blends

Enhancing Function of Compatibilizer through Controlling Its Distribution

Reactive Blending

Summary

References

Poly(lactic acid) Blends

Introduction

PLA/non-biodegradable polymer blends

PLA/biodegradable polymer blends

Plasticization of PLA

Final Remarks

References

Foaming

Introduction

Plastic foams

Foaming agents

Formation of cellular plastics

Plastic foams expanded with physical foaming agents

PLA foamed with chemical foaming agents

Mechanical properties of PLA foams

Foaming of PLA/starch blends

References

Composites

Introduction

PLA Matrix

Reinforcements

Fiber/matrix adhesion

PLA nanocomposites

Processing

Properties

Applications

Future developments and concluding remarks

References

Nanocomposites

Introduction

PLA Nanocomposites based on Clay

PLA Nanocomposites based on Carbon Nanotubes

PLA Nanocomposites based on Various other Nanofillers

Properties of PLA-based Nanocomposites

Biodegradability

Melt Rheology

Foam Processing

Possible Applications and Future Prospects

References

Spinning of Poly(lactic acid) Fibers

Definition of Fiber and Fiber Spinning

Melt Spinning Line

Fluid dynamics during spinning

Structure development during melt spinning

Post Spinning Operation

Structure development during Drawing

Solution Spinning of PLLA

Mechanical Properties

References

Degradation and Environmental Issues

Hydrolytic Degradation

Introduction

Degradation Mechanism

Parameters for Hydrolytic Degradation

Structural and Property Changes during Hydrolytic Degradation

5 Applications of Hydrolytic Degradation

Conclusions

References

Enzymatic Degradation

Introduction

Enzymatic degradation of PLA films

Enzymatic degradation of thin films

Enzymatic degradation of lamellar crystals

Future perspectives

References

Thermal Degradation

Introduction

Kinetic analysis of thermal degradation

Thermal degradation behavior of PLA based on molecular weight change

Thermal degradation behavior of PLA based on weight loss

Conclusions

References

Photodegradation and Radiation Degradation

Introduction

Photodegradation Mechanism

Radiation Degradation Mechanism

Photodegradation of PLA

Photosensitized Degradation of PLA

Radiation Effects on PLA

Modification of PLA by Irradiation

References

Biodegradation

Introduction

Microbial Degradation

Poly(L-lactide) (PLLA)-degrading enzymes

Conclusion and Future Prospects

References

Cradle to Gate Environmental Footprint and Life Cycle Assessment of Poly(lactic acid)

Introduction to LCA and environmental footprints

Life cycle considerations for PLA

Review of PLA LCA studies

Improving PLA's environmental footprint

Further Reading on LCA

References

Applications

Medical Applications

Introduction

Minimal Requirements for Medical Devices

Preclinical and Clinical Applications of PLA Devices

Conclusions

References

Packaging and Other Commercial Applications

Introduction

Applications in Packaging and containers

Agricultural and engineering work materials

Conclusions

References

Textile Industry Applications

Indroduction

Manufacturing, Structure and Properties of PLA Fibers

Key Performance Features of PLA Fibers

Potential Applications

Conclusions

References

Environmental Applications

Introduction

Application to water and wastewater treatment

Application to bioremediation

Concluding remarks and perspective

References

Index

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