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Polylactic acid (PLA) is a new bio-based and renewable biodegradable material made from starch derived from renewable plant resources such as maize and cassava. Glucose was obtained from starch by saccharification, and then lactic acid with high purity was fermented from glucose and certain strains, and then polylactic acid with certain molecular weight was synthesized by chemical synthesis. It has good biodegradability and can be completely degraded by microorganisms in nature under specific conditions after use, and eventually generate carbon dioxide and water. It does not pollute the environment, which is very beneficial to the protection of the environment and is recognized as environmentally friendly material.
| ITEM | UNIT | REFERENCE INDEX |
| Appearance | - | White or yellow cylindrical granules |
| Particle Diameter | mm | 2~4 |
| Density | g/cm3 | 1.25±0.05 |
| Monomer | % | ≤1 |
| Melt Index(190ºC 2.16kg) | g/10min | 1~30 |
| Glass Transition Temperature | ºC | 58~60 |
| Melting Point | ºC | ~160 |
| Tensile Strength at Break | MPa | ~50 |
| Tensile Modulus | GPa | 3.5~6.0 |
| Impact Strength | J/m | 10~13 |
| Properties | Unit | Test Standard | Data |
| Density | g/cm3 | ASTM D-792 | 1.22-1.23 |
| Melt Index (210ºC,2.16kg) | g/10min | ASTM D-1238 | 4.12 |
| Melt Temperature | ºC | DSC | 170-190 |
| Vicat Point A/120 | ºC | ASTM D-648 | 55 |
| Tensile Strength | MPa | ASTM D-638 | 61 |
| Flexural Strength | MPa | ASTM D-790 | 73 |
| Elongation Break | % | ASTM D-638 | 22 |
| Water Absorption | % | ASTM D-570 | <0.6 |
| Impact Strength | KJ/m2 | ASTM D-256 | 8.8 |
| Printing Temperature | ºC | DSC | 200-220 |
PLA (polylactic acid) is a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer made mainly from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugar cane. It has a wide range of applications in several fields, including but not limited to:
1. Packaging materials: Due to its good transparency and printing properties, PLA is often used in the manufacture of food packaging, beverage cups and other disposable products, which can biodegrade after use and reduce environmental pollution.
2. 3D printing: PLA is one of the most commonly used materials in 3D printing because it is easy to print and does not require a heated bed, reducing the possibility of warping. Its low odor and non-toxic properties also make it ideal for indoor use.
3. Textile fibers: PLA can also be processed into fibers for the production of clothing fabrics, which have good air permeability and soft feel.
4. Medical materials: Due to the good biocompatibility of PLA, it can be used in the production of sutures, fracture fixators and other medical devices, which can gradually degrade and be absorbed in the body.
5. Agricultural film: In agriculture, PLA film can replace traditional PE (polyethylene) film for covering crops, which not only helps to increase crop yield, but also can decompose naturally at the end of the use cycle to avoid soil pollution.