Polylactic acid : PLA biopolymer technology and applications

• Main Author: Sin, Lee Tin.
• Other Authors: Rahmat, Abdul Razak., Rahman, Wan Azian Wan Abdul.
• Format: eBook
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford : William Andrew, 2012.
• Edition: 1st ed.
• Series: PDL handbook series.
• Subjects: Biodegradable plastics.; Lactic acid.; Polymers.; elektronické knihy; electronic books
• ISBN: 9781437744606; 1437744605; 1283631032; 9781283631037; 9786613943484; 6613943487; 9781437744590; 1437744591
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (vii, 341 pages) : illustrations (some color)
• Access: Plný text je dostupný pouze z IP adres počítačů Univerzity Tomáše Bati ve Zlíně nebo vzdáleným přístupem pro zaměstnance a studenty

Polylactic Acid (PLA) is the first viable thermoplastic that can be produced from a plant-based feedstock such as corn or sugar cane, and yet be processed by the conventional melt processing technologies. At the same time, Polylactic Acid is produced at the largest industrial scale of all biodegradable polymers. It is being used in biomedical applications, for bottle production and in compostable food packaging. It is also being evaluated as a material for tissue engineering. Mass production has tremendously reduced the cost of PLA production, making it an economically viable choice for fabrication of domestic containers, plastic bags, and fibers. Commercial-scale plants today produce hundreds of thousand tons of PLA per year. This book provides a practical guide for the engineers and scientists involved in working with PLA and developing the many new products that are emerging for this important biopolymer. The current market situation for PLA and biodegradable polymers is described as well as applications across a range of market sectors, and the mechanical, chemical, thermal, rheology, and degradation properties of PLA. An essential reference for engineers, scientists and product designers considering switching to a sustainable plastic. Covers the properties, synthesis and polymerization of PLA, and processing techniques involved in fabricating parts from this polymer.