Polylactide (PLA) is a renewable thermoplastic and a polymer. It is derived from the starch of plants such as corn, sugar cane and sugar beet. PLA is biodegradable, as it decays as a result of exposure to heat and moisture. It decomposes forming carbon dioxide and water, which present no danger to the environment.[1],[2]
PLA’s ability to biodegrade comes as a result of its hydrolysis and low melting point. These features could hinder PLA’s ability to be suitable in some applications, such as the outdoors or fabric that needs to be ironed. However, efforts to address these drawbacks in PLA have recently been accomplished. NatureWorks LLC, which offers a brand name of PLA called Ingeo, has developed hydrolytic stabilizers that can be implemented in certain applications to prevent degradation outdoors. The company is currently working to increase the melting point of PLA so that it can be ironed.[3]
Sources
- textileexchange.org/sites/default/files/eco_fibre.pdf
- https://www.technologystudent.com/joints/pla1.html
- Boh, Richard. Personal Interview. 25 February 2014.
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