Polylactic acid

Erbil polytechnic university

Mechanical and energy engineering
Second stage
Prepared by//Mhammad ahmad
Supervisor// Dr.Zhwan

Erbil polytechnic university

 Polylactic acid

What is polylactic acid ?

Polylactic acid, also known as poly or polylactide, is a

thermoplastic polyester with backbone formula ₙ or [–CHCO–] ₙ,
formally obtained by condensation of lactic acid CHCOOH with
loss of water. It can also be prepared by ring-opening
polymerization of lactide [–CHCO–] ₂, the cyclic dimer of the
basic repeating unit.

PLA has become a popular material due to it being

economically produced from renewable resources. In 2010,
PLA had the second highest consumption volume of any
bioplastic of the world, although it is still not a commodity
polymer. Its widespread application has been hindered by
numerous physical and processing shortcomings.PLA is the
most widely used plastic filament material in 3D
printing.Although the name "polylactic acid" is widely used, it
does not comply with IUPAC standard nomenclature, which is
"poly(lactic acid)". The name "polylactic acid" is potentially
ambiguous or confusing, because PLA is not a polyacid
(polyelectrolyte), but rather a polyester.

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Uses and applications of polylactic acid ;

Polylactic acid (PLA), classified as an aliphatic polyester

because of the ester bonds that connect the monomer
units, has gained a key role in the biomedical field for a
wide range of applications: suture threads, bone fixation
screws, devices for drug delivery, just to scratch the
surface and also Eco-Products offers cups, lids, cutlery,
straws and containers made from a biopolymer called PLA
(polylactic acid) There are a vast array of applications for
Polylactic Acid. Some of the most common uses include
plastic films, bottles, and biodegradable medical devices
(e.g. screws, pins, rods, and plates that are expected to
biodegrade within 6-12 months

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Where we get polylactic acid ?

PLA is made from starchy plants like corn, grown in the

U.S.A. Starch from corn kernels is processed into a
biopolymer that looks, acts, and performs like petroleum-
based plastics.

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Is polylactic acid safe?

It can be solidified and injection-molded into various forms

making it a terrific option for food packaging and 3D printing.
FDA-approved – Polylactic acid is approved by the FDA as a
Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) polymer and is safe for
food contact.

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What are the benefits of PLA products?

PLA requires 65% less energy to produce than traditional,

petroleum-based plastics. It also emits 68% fewer greenhouse
gases. And that’s not all:

The environmental benefits:

-Comparable to PET plastics – More than 95% of the world’s

plastics are created from natural gas or crude oil. Fossil fuel-
based plastics are not only hazardous; they’re also a finite
resource. PLA products present a functional, renewable, and
comparable replacement.

-Bio-based – A bio-based product’s materials are derived from

renewable agriculture or plants. Because all PLA products
come from sugar starches, polylactic acid is considered bio-
based.

-Biodegradable – PLA products achieve international standards

for biodegradation, naturally degrading rather than piling up in
landfills. It does require certain conditions to degrade quickly. In

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an industrial composting facility, it can break down in 45–90

days.

-Doesn’t emit toxic fumes – Unlike other plastics, bioplastics

don’t emit any toxic fumes when they’re incinerated.

-Thermoplastic – PLA is a thermoplastic, so it’s moldable and

malleable when heated to its melting temperature. It can be
solidified and injection-molded into various forms making it a
terrific option for food packaging and 3D printing.

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The most common uses include:

1-3D printing

For example, in 3D printers, PLA filaments are one of the

most popular choices. They have a lower melting point than
other filament options, making them easier and safer to
use. 3D printing PLA filament emits lactide, which is
considered a non-toxic fume. So, unlike the filament
alternatives, it prints without emitting any harmful toxins

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2-medical

It also presents some clear advantages in the medical

field. It’s favored because of its biocompatibility and safe
degradation as PLA products degrade into lactic acid. Our
bodies naturally produce lactic acid, so it’s a compatible
compound. Because of this, PLA is frequently used in drug
delivery systems, medical implants, and tissue engineering.

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3-fiber

In the fiber and textile world, advocates aim to replace

nonrenewable polyesters with PLA fiber. Fabrics and
textiles made with PLA fiber are lightweight, breathable,
and recyclable.

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4-packaging

PLA is extensively used in the packaging industry. Major

companies such as Walmart, Newman’s Own Organics and
Wild Oats have all begun using compostable packaging for
environmental reasons.

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