Control of Crystallization of Poly (Lactic Acid) Membranes

Shuichi Sato, Ryohei Shindo, Shinji Kanehashi, Kazukiyo Nagai, Nidal Hilal

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Poly (lactic acid)(PLA, Figure 3.1) is an environment-friendly, biodegradable polymeric substance with a low melting point, high moldability, and high transparency. PLA is often used in packages, automobiles, and electronics. There are material and chemical recycling methods available for petroleum-based conventional plastics such as polyethylene, polystyrene, and poly (ethylene terephthalate). For such applications, polymer materials are exposed to various conditions during use, such as varying temperatures with cooling and heating conditions, organic solvents, and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Figure 3.2 presents a bar graph comparing the number of references having poly (lactic acid) as the keyword for each year. This figure shows the result of SciFinder®. The number of references increased from 2000. PLA with biorecyclable behavior has drawn interest because of the “Act Concerning the Promotion of the Utilization of Recyclable Food Waste” from 2000. Furthermore, PLA production and distribution by NatureWorks LLC started in 2002. About 1500 references were reported on PLA over the last year, arguably because of its advantages, including its enhanced biological degradation behavior for a biorecyclable material. PLA is also expected to replace petroleum-based plastics.
Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalMembrane Fabrication
StatePublished - 2015

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