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Pla

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable thermoplastic polyester made from renewable resources like corn starch. It can be produced through two main polymerization methods: direct polycondensation or ring opening polymerization of lactide. Ring opening polymerization is preferred as it allows higher molecular weight polymers to be produced under milder conditions without solvents. PLA has properties suitable for biomedical and textile applications and degrades through hydrolysis or enzymatic mechanisms. It is widely used in biodegradable implants like pins, rods and screws.

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226 views15 pages

Pla

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable thermoplastic polyester made from renewable resources like corn starch. It can be produced through two main polymerization methods: direct polycondensation or ring opening polymerization of lactide. Ring opening polymerization is preferred as it allows higher molecular weight polymers to be produced under milder conditions without solvents. PLA has properties suitable for biomedical and textile applications and degrades through hydrolysis or enzymatic mechanisms. It is widely used in biodegradable implants like pins, rods and screws.

Uploaded by

Ganga Dharan
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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POLYLACTIC ACID

POLYLACTIC ACID
A linear Aliphatic thermoplastic polyester

Monomer Lactic acid


Source- 100% Renewable resources such as Dextrose from Corn Starch Starch converted into sugar or glucose by enzymatic hydrolysis Glucose converted into lactic acid by bacterial fermentation of Carbohydrates (Lactobacilli)

Production of PLA Polycondesation polymerisation Ring opening Polymerisation

Direct Polycondensation reaction:

Process involves the removal of water by condensation with the use of acid catalysts under high vacuum and temperature Only low to intermediate molecular weight polymers can be produced, mainly due to the difficulties of removing water and impurities

Can be coupled with coupling agents to increase molecular weight Coupling agents like isocyanates, epoxides or peroxides. Ring opening Polymerisation Better way to produce a high molecular weight polymer Lactic acid can exist as the L- or D-stereoisomer

Ring Opening Polymerisation Removing water under milder conditions without solvent Cyclic intermediate dimer- lactide formed. Production of the cyclic lactide dimer results in three potential forms: I. D,D-lactide (called D-lactide), II. L,Llactide (called L-lactide) and III. L,D- or D,L-lactide (called meso-lactide)

Lactide purified under vacuum distillation. D- and L-lactide are optically active, meso- is not. Ring-opening polymerization of the optically active types of lactide Dimers accompolished under heat ( without solvent) yields polymers with a range of molecular weights by varying the amount and the sequence of D-lactide in the polymer backbone.

Ring Opening Polymerisation by Depolymerisation


The process starts with a continuous condensation reaction of aqueous lactic acid to produce low molecular weight PLA pre-polymer

Then pre-polymer is converted into a mixture of lactide stereoisomers using tin catalysis to enhance the rate and selectivity of the intramolecular cyclization reaction. The molten lactide mixture is then purified by vacuum distillation. Finally, PLA high polymer is produced using a tin-catalyzed, ringopening lactide polymerization in the melt, completely eliminating the use of costly and environmentally unfriendly solvents. After the polymerization is complete, any remaining monomer is removed under vacuum and recycled.

PLA Fibre Properties Appearance: circular in cross-section and have a smooth surface. Density: The specific gravity is 1.25 g cm3, lower than natural fibers and PET. Refractive index: The refractive index of 1.351.45 is lower than PET (1.54). Thermal properties: a. PLA is a stiff polymer at room temperature. b. Glass transition temperature (Tg) is typically between 5565C. c. Melting temperature (Tm) is between 160170C Tenacity:The tenacity at break (3236 cN tex1) can be varied according to the degree of drawing that is applied to the undrawn yarn

UV resistance: very low strength loss compared to petroleumbased fibers when exposed to ultraviolet light. Moisture transport: PLA shows excellent wicking ability, fast water spreading and rapid drying capability gives the fiber a very positive inherent moisture management characteristic.

Degradation of Polylactic acid By hydrolysis cleavage of ester linkage Enzymatic degradation by lipase and protienase

Biomedical applications of PLA

PLA widely used as Orthopedic devices PLA implants includes Pins, Rods, Screws, Plates Implant materials with PLLA & PDLLA L-isomer: Hydrophobic Crystalline Prolong degradation time D-isomer Amorpous less stabe for degradation >10% D-lactide results in amorpous stereocopolymer P(L/D)LA 80/20 & 70/30 copolymers and self reinforced form

Mol weight with >1,00,000 are mostly employed Used for low load bearing zone implants Stress Shielding effect- Reduction in bone density as result of removal of normal strain from the bone by an implant- is eliminated by PLA degradable implants Callus formation takes place at the beginning of bone formation, promoted by applied electric potential. Piezo electric materials are capable of generating an electrical potential when mehanical stress is applied. PLA has better degree of piezo electricity

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