Popular biodegradable plastic - polylactic acid (PLA)

Popular biodegradable plastic - polylactic acid (PLA)

Due to the current relatively high production costs of biodegradable plastics, market penetration still needs to be improved. However, with the continuous advancement of technology and the realization of large-scale production, it is expected that the cost of biodegradable plastics will gradually decrease in the future, further promoting its application in various fields.

PLA is the English abbreviation of polylactic acid. The full English name is Polylactic Acid or Polylactide. It is the product of the condensation of α-hydroxypropionic acid. It is a kind of thermoplastic aliphatic polyester. It is a kind of polylactic acid made from renewable resources such as corn, sugar cane and other plants. A polymer material produced by polymerization of extracted lactic acid. It has good biocompatibility and biodegradability and is a new type of environmentally friendly plastic. After use, polylactic acid can be decomposed into carbon dioxide and water by microorganisms and will not cause pollution to the environment. Its raw materials are derived from plants, which is a renewable resource and is more environmentally friendly than petroleum-based plastics. In addition, PLA has excellent melt processing properties and can be molded by various plastic processing equipment, making it suitable for the production of various plastic products.

Common applications of polylactic acid (PLA)

1. Food packaging: Polylactic acid is non-toxic and harmless to the human body and has unique advantages in the field of disposable tableware, food packaging materials and other disposable products.
   

2. Agricultural field: Polylactic acid mulch film has better biodegradability and can be quickly decomposed in the natural environment, and is used to make agricultural films, seed coatings, etc. For example, PLA fiber is used to make agricultural sunshade nets, which not only have a sunshade effect, but also can naturally degrade after the crops are harvested.

3. Biomedical field: This is the earliest application field of polylactic acid. Polylactic acid is highly safe for the human body and can be absorbed by tissues. Coupled with its excellent physical and mechanical properties, it can also be used in the field of biomedicine, such as disposable infusion tools, non-disassembly surgical sutures, drug relief packaging agents, and artificial fractures. Internal fixation materials, tissue repair materials, artificial skin, etc.

4. Textile field: PLA is environmentally friendly, skin-friendly, breathable, antibacterial, anti-mite, flame retardant, and non-moisture-resisting, and can be used to make clothing, home textiles and other products.

5. Energy field: used to make energy equipment such as biofuels and fuel cells. Such as biodiesel, bioethanol and other biofuels, fuel cell electrolyte membranes, etc.

Due to its excellent properties and environmental advantages, polylactic acid is widely regarded as one of the main choices for future plastic substitutes. I believe that with the continuous innovation and development of technology, we will see more and more polylactic acid products appearing in our lives.