Poly(lactic acid) Synthesis, Structures,

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.

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.

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
Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

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

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