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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Plant Polymer Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #194757
Title: POLY(LACTIC ACID): A BIODEGRADABLE COMMODITY PLASTIC

Author
item Finkenstadt, Victoria

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/10/2006
Publication Date: 4/11/2006
Citation: Finkenstadt, V.L. 2006. Poly(lactic acid): A biodegradable commodity plastic [abstract]. BioEnvironmental 2006 Meeting. p.20.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Polylactic acid or Polylactide (PLA) is a biodegradable, thermoplastic, aliphatic polyester derived from lactic acid from the fermentation of glucose. PLA has similar transparency and mechanical properties to polystyrene and also can be molded by various molding methods. PLA has high potential as a new general-purpose resin. The market for PLA is expected to experience 10% growth per year for the next 10 years. PLA, however, does have some limitations. The poor impact resistance and the lack of flexibility of PLA are obstacles to the expansion of applications. This presentation will discuss applications, mechanical and thermal properties, and the economic outlook for PLA as well as present some results from research into PLA green composite materials.