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Chapter 4: Lactic Acid Polymers: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications

    https://doi.org/10.1142/9789814566469_0050Cited by:2 (Source: Crossref)
    Abstract:

    Lactic acid-based polymers have attracted much attention as biomaterials and packaging materials during last few decades. Lactic acid polymers are biodegradable, low toxic, and bioresorbable in human body as well as in nature. Poly(lactic acid) is claimed to be the first commodity plastic produced from renewable resources. The environmental benefits provided by lactic acid-based polymers make its future brighter in selected areas of application. This chapter discusses about the different synthesis pathways of polymer from lactic acid and their general properties. Production of lactic acid through chemical and fermentative method and synthesis of its polymers through polycondensation and ringopening polymerization are shortly described here. Lactic acid polymer-based materials found their applications mainly in the field of biomedical and as packaging materials for short-term use. However, the mechanical property of the poly(lactic acid) and its thermal stability is limited which restricts its use in applications demanding high performance. Hence, to satisfy the increasing demand of market, the product should be engineered for better performance and the production of polymer should be hiked according to the demand.