Omar Khalid
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a polyester made from renewable biomass, typically from fermented plant starch like corn, cassava, sugarcane, or sugar beet pulp. It is a bioplastic that has been in use for almost a century and is commonly used as an alternative to non-bio plastics in low-stress applications like cups, food packaging, and bags. PLA is not a cellulosic plastic material but it can be used to make strong bonds with cellulosic fibers. PLA is certified industrially compostable and can be broken down to its original monomer through a thermal depolymerization process or hydrolysis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full form | Polylactic Acid (PLA) |
| Type of plastic | Polyester |
| Raw material | Renewable biomass, typically from fermented plant starch like corn, cassava, sugarcane, or sugar beet pulp |
| Biodegradable | Yes |
| Compostable | Yes, industrially compostable to Australian and European Standards (AS4736 and EN13432) |
| Decomposition time | Under commercial composting conditions, PLA plastics break down within 12 weeks |
| Recyclable | Not currently, due to a lack of recycling infrastructure |
| Mechanical properties | Very brittle with less than 10% elongation at break; inferior heat resistance and durability compared to polypropylene (PP) |
| Applications | Compost bags, food packaging, loose-fill packaging material, automotive parts, fishing line, netting, nonwoven fabrics, engineering plastics |
| Environmental impact | Reduces non-renewable energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions but also negatively impacts the environment through land and water consumption, use of pesticides and fertilizers, eutrophication, and acidification |
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What You'll Learn
PLA is a biodegradable plastic made from renewable sources
Polylactic acid, or polylactide (PLA), is a biodegradable plastic made from renewable sources. It is a polyester made from renewable biomass, typically from fermented plant starch like corn, cassava, sugarcane, or sugar beet pulp. PLA was discovered in the 1920s but was not mass-produced until 1989 due to its high production cost.
The process of making PLA involves fermenting plant sources to produce lactic acid, which then undergoes polymerization to create PLA. PLA is similar to polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), and polystyrene (PS) in its properties as a thermoplastic. It has a low melting point, high strength, low thermal expansion, and good layer adhesion, making it ideal for 3D printing.
PLA is most commonly used as an alternative to non-biodegradable plastics in applications such as cups, food packaging, and bags. These are typically single-use items where the strength of PLA is sufficient. However, it should be noted that PLA is not suitable for microwavable containers due to its low glass transition temperature.
One of the benefits of PLA is its biodegradability, which helps address the issue of non-biodegradable plastic waste. Under industrial composting conditions, PLA can decompose into water and carbon dioxide within 60 days, and the remainder breaks down slowly over time. However, in environments without these specific conditions, PLA can take hundreds or thousands of years to decompose, similar to non-biodegradable plastics.
While PLA offers an alternative to traditional plastics, it also has its drawbacks. The raw materials for PLA come from renewable sources, but these sources require additional costs and significant usage of non-renewable resources. The farms that grow these raw materials can also contribute to environmental issues such as deforestation, reduced biodiversity, and soil degradation. Additionally, the production and transport of PLA products consume energy, and many of these items are designed for single use.
Despite these concerns, PLA remains a popular alternative to conventional plastics due to its biodegradability and the use of renewable sources. As the demand for bioplastics increases, improvements and innovations in PLA production are expected to address some of the current challenges.
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PLA is a bio-based polyester
Polylactic acid, or polylactide (PLA), is a polyester made from renewable biomass feedstock, typically from fermented plant starch like corn, cassava, sugarcane, or sugar beet pulp. PLA is a hydrophobic aliphatic polyester constituted by repeating units of lactic acid (LA; 2-hydroxypropanoic acid). It is derived from biomass through a three-step process involving fermentation, separation, and polymerization.
The monomer feedstock for PLA is made from fermented plant starch, which can be sourced from agricultural produce like corn starch, cassava roots, or sugarcane. Additionally, crop residues such as stems, straw, husks, and leaves can be processed and used as alternative carbohydrate sources. This utilization of agricultural by-products further enhances the sustainability of the PLA production process.
PLA is a biodegradable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastics. It can be broken down into its original monomer through thermal depolymerization or hydrolysis. The resulting monomer solution can be purified and reused for PLA production without any loss of quality. This recyclability, along with compostability, contributes to PLA's environmental benefits over traditional plastics.
However, it is important to note that PLA has certain limitations, such as poor heat resistance and a tendency to undergo hydrolysis, which restrict its use in certain applications. Efforts are being made to improve the mechanical properties of PLA, such as through annealing and blending with other materials, to enhance its performance and broaden its range of applications.
Overall, PLA is a bio-based polyester that offers a promising substitute for petroleum-based polymers, with ongoing research and advancements aiming to maximize its potential as a sustainable and biodegradable material.
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PLA is made from fermented plant starch
Polylactic acid, or polylactide, more commonly known as PLA, is a type of polyester made from renewable biomass. Specifically, it is made from fermented plant starch, such as corn, cassava, sugarcane, or sugar beet pulp. The process of fermentation produces lactic acid, which then undergoes polymerization to create PLA.
PLA is a bioplastic, which means it is made from renewable resources like plants, as opposed to traditional plastics, which are derived from fossil fuels. The use of bioplastics is becoming increasingly popular due to their reduced environmental impact compared to conventional plastics. Bioplastics reduce non-renewable energy consumption and decrease greenhouse gas emissions, which contributes to climate change.
PLA, in particular, has gained attention due to its natural availability and biodegradability. It is also highly tailor-able, as it can be easily reinforced with different natural fibers and fillers using various molding techniques. For example, the addition of nanoparticles to PLA results in exceptional rheological changes, leading to low density, stiffness, thermal and mechanical stability, and recyclable packaging material.
Despite the benefits of PLA, there are some concerns about its environmental impact. While it is made from renewable sources, the production of PLA requires significant usage of non-renewable resources and can negatively affect the environment through land and water consumption, pesticide and fertilizer use, and eutrophication. Additionally, the plants used to create PLA are edible crops, which raises ethical concerns about using viable food sources to create single-use plastics when many people suffer from hunger and malnutrition.
Overall, PLA is a bioplastic made from fermented plant starch, and it offers a potential solution to the environmental issues associated with traditional plastics. However, it is important to consider the limitations and potential negative impacts of PLA to make informed decisions about its use and implementation.
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PLA is industrially compostable
Polylactic acid or polylactide (PLA) is a polyester made from renewable biomass, typically from fermented plant starch like corn, cassava, sugarcane or sugar beet pulp. PLA is a bioplastic that is certified as industrially compostable.
Under industrial composting conditions, PLA can decompose into water and carbon dioxide. The rate of decomposition depends on the temperature and the material's degree of crystallinity. At 58 °C (136 °F), which is the standard temperature for industrial composting, about half of the PLA will decompose in 60 days. The remainder will decompose much more slowly.
The infrastructure required for industrial composting is not always readily available, and PLA might end up in landfills or the ocean if it is not properly composted. However, some companies are working to create the right infrastructure for waste collection to ensure that PLA is composted properly.
PLA can be broken down to its original monomer through a thermal depolymerization process or by hydrolysis. The resulting monomer solution can be purified and used for further PLA production without any loss of quality. This makes composting the preferred end-of-life option for PLA, as recycling infrastructure is not yet fully developed.
Overall, PLA is a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastics, which can take centuries to break down and often create microplastics.
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PLA is used in 3D printing
Polylactic acid, commonly known as PLA, is one of the most popular materials used in 3D printing. It is a polyester made from renewable biomass, typically from fermented plant starch like corn, cassava, sugarcane or sugar beet pulp. The use of PLA in 3D printing is popular due to its ease of use, affordability, and eco-friendliness.
PLA is the default filament of choice for most extrusion-based 3D printers because it can be printed at a low temperature (170-180°C) and does not require a heated bed. This makes it a great first material for beginners to use in 3D printing, as it is easy to print, very inexpensive, and creates parts that can be used for a wide variety of applications.
One of the most common problems with using PLA in 3D printing is oozing, which occurs when the filament continues to flow during travel movements at the end of a segment, creating strings or hairs on the printed part. This can be mitigated by dialling in the correct retraction settings and adjusting the printing temperature, which can vary between 190-230°C depending on different additives.
PLA is also versatile and can be combined with different fills like metal, wood, and fibre, giving it different characteristics than standard homogeneous PLA. It is well-suited for tooling and creating jigs, fixtures, and customised tools for industrial applications. For example, Heineken uses Ultimaker Tough PLA to create customised tools for its bottling plant and maintenance purposes.
Additionally, PLA can be used in investment casting, making it ideal for creating metal parts by 3D printing a mould. It is also used in architecture to create scale models of buildings and in museums to recreate missing parts of dinosaur skeletons.
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Frequently asked questions
PLA, or polylactic acid, is a bio-based polyester commonly made from renewable biomass, typically from fermented plant starch like corn, cassava, sugarcane, or sugar beet.
Plants are fermented to produce lactic acid, which then goes through the process of polymerization to create PLA.
PLA is used for compost bags, food packaging, loose-fill packaging material, and automotive parts such as floor mats, panels, and covers. It is also the most widely used plastic filament material in FDM 3D printing.
Yes, PLA is biodegradable. Under industrial composting conditions, PLA can partially decompose into water and carbon dioxide in 60 days, and the remainder decomposes much more slowly.
No, PLA is not a cellulosic plastic material. Cellulosic plastic materials are made from cellulose, which can be derived from wood, cotton, or hemp. While PLA is made from fermented plant starch, it does not contain cellulose.
