Poly (d,l-lactic acid), PLA, was synthesized from lactic acid using two polymerization methods: direct polycondensation and ring opening polymerization. The effects of temperature, reaction time, and catalyst type were studied. Intrinsic viscosity determination, differential scanning calorimetry, and infrared spectrometry were used to characterize the polymers obtained. Gravimetric and colorimetry analyses were used to study polymer degradation under different environments varying pH, temperature and salinity. The results showed that higher rates of degradation were obtained in higher pH and temperatures, and lower molar mass polymers presented a higher degradation rate. The outcome showed that it is possible to control the degradation rate under different petroleum production conditions. This makes the PLA a potential material to be used as a matrix for additives releasing systems.
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