Identification of important abiotic and biotic factors in the biodegradation of poly(l-lactic acid)

Husárová, Lucie; Pekařová, Silvie; Stloukal, Petr; Kucharzcyk, Pavel; Verney, Vincent; Commereuc, Sophie; Ramone, Audrey; Koutný, Marek

doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2014.04.050

Cited by 80 publications

(55 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…Before placing the samples in composting conditions, we observed that neat PLA is transparent and PLA/PCL blends have a whitish colour. After 3 days of incubation PLA sample becomes opaque thus giving evidence of the hydrolysis process . For an incubation period of 14 days, samples become brittle and acquire a light yellow hue.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of miscibility on mechanical and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid)/ polycaprolactone blends

et al. 2016

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In this work, binary blends based on poly(lactic acid)-PLA and poly(caprolactone)-PCL were prepared by melt mixing in a twin screw co-rotating extruder in order to increase the low intrinsic elongation at break of PLA for packaging applications. Although PLA and PCL show low miscibility, presence of PCL leads to a remarkable increase in ductile properties of PLA.Different mechanical properties were evaluated in terms of PCL content up to 30 weight % PCL. Additionally to tensile and flexural properties, the Poisson's ratio was obtained by using bi-axial extensometry to evaluate transversal deformations when axial loads are applied. Very slight changes in the melt temperature (T m ) and glass transition temperature (T g ) of PLA were observed thus indicating low miscibility of the PLA-PCL system. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) revealed some interactions between the two components of the blend since the morphology is characterized by non-spherical poly(caprolactone) drops dispersed into the PLA matrix. In addition to the improvement of mechanical ductile properties, PCL provides higher degradation rates of blends under conditions of composting for contents below 22.5% PCL.Keywords: Poly(lactic acid)-PLA; poly(caprolactone)-PCL; binary blends; FESEM; mechanical properties; disintegrability. 1.-Introduction.Nowadays, polymers find a broad number of applications in the fields of packaging, medical and automotive industries due to an excellent balance between processing and overall properties [1]. Among all these polymers, aliphatic polyesters from both renewable and/or fossil fuel resources [2] Poly(lactic acid) is one of the most used biocompostable polymers in packaging applications due to its high mechanical performance and balanced barrier properties [16,17].PLA is widely used in the manufacturing of biodegradable/biocompostable films for food applications. The main drawback related to PLA is its high intrinsic fragility that is still accentuated as degradation occurs. PLA has low ductility at room temperature because its glass transition temperature (T g ) is located at around 60 ºC; so that, below its T g , it behaves as a glass characterized by high mechanical resistance and modulus and high fragility together with low elongation at break (due to restricted polymer chain mobility below T g ). Conventional plasticizers could potentially be used to allow some elongation at break but typical plasticizers can migrate and this could be responsible for a toxicity as well as a decrease in mechanical properties [18][19][20]. Another alternative is copolymerization. By using copolymerization processes with appropriately selected monomers it is possible to tailor PLA properties to desired performance. Some examples of PLA-based copolymers are poly(lactic acid-co--caprolactone)-PLACL, poly(lactic acid-co-ethylene glycol)-PLAEG, poly(hydroxibutirate-cohydroxivalerate)-PHBV, etc [21,22]. Nevertheless these copolymers are expensive. One attracting solution is manufacturing of binary or ternary...

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of miscibility on mechanical and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid)/ polycaprolactone blends

et al. 2016

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“…Hence, extensive studies are needed to investigate the degradation behavior and long-term impact of bulk quantities of waste PLA constantly produced commercially. [75][76][77] [78] PLLA and PDLA have similar characteristics, while PDLLA has different characteristics. [79] PLA compounds have commonly been used to produce decomposable packaging materials, PLLA has largely been used in bioengineering, and PDLLA has been used as a scaffold for bone engineering.…”

Section: Starch and Plasticizers Low Costmentioning

confidence: 99%

A review on degradation mechanisms of polylactic acid: Hydrolytic, photodegradative, microbial, and enzymatic degradation

Zaaba

Jaafar

2020

Polymer Engineering & Sci

322

206

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Recently, thoughtful disagreements between scientists concerning environmental issues including the use of renewable materials have enhanced universal awareness of the use of biodegradable materials. Polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the most promising biodegradable materials for commercially replacing nondegradable materials such as polyethylene terephthalate and polystyrene. The main advantages of PLA production over the conventional plastic materials is PLA can be produced from renewable resources such as corn or other carbohydrate sources. Besides, PLA provides adequate energy saving by consuming CO2 during production. Thus, we aim to highlight recent research involving the investigation of properties of PLA, its applications and the four types of potential PLA degradation mechanisms. In the first part of the article, a brief discussion of the problems surrounding use of conventional plastic is provided and examples of biodegradable polymers currently used are provided. Next, properties of PLA, and (Poly[L‐lactide]), (Poly[D‐lactide]) (PDLA) and (Poly[DL‐lactide]) and application of PLA in various industries such as in packaging, transportation, agriculture and the biomedical, textile and electronic industry are described. Behaviors of PLA subjected to hydrolytic, photodegradative, microbial and enzymatic degradation mechanisms are discussed in detail in the latter portion of the article.

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“…When the molecular weight is below 20,000 g/mol, PLA becomes water soluble . The subsequent metabolic activity after uptake by microorganisms breaks the polymers down into metabolic end products, such as water and carbon dioxide, and a portion of the carbon is converted into biomass . Ecological degradation might be an equally suitable name for the overall mechanism of PLA biodegradation, due to the simultaneous action of abiotic and biotic processes.…”

Section: Polylactic Acidmentioning

confidence: 99%

Natural fiber reinforced polylactic acid composites: A review

et al. 2018

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Biopolymer‐based composites have attracted the attention of researchers and industries due to their eco‐friendliness and environmental sustainability, as well as their suitability for a number of applications. Biocomposites containing natural fibers and biopolymers would be the ideal choice in the development of biodegradable materials for different applications. Polylactic acid (PLA) is an environmentally interesting biopolymer, which also has exclusive qualities, such as good transparency and processability, glossy appearance, and high rigidity, although it has some shortcomings as well, for example, its brittleness and high rate of crystallization. PLA‐based natural fiber composites are entirely bio‐based materials with promising biodegradability and mechanical properties. Several research studies have been carried out on PLA and its composites to explore their potential to substitute petroleum‐based products, but until now there is no comprehensive review with up‐to‐date research data available in the literature. The aim of this review is to highlight the trends in the research and development of PLA and PLA‐based natural fiber composites over the past few years. This review article covers current research efforts on the synthesis and biodegradation of PLA, its properties, trends, challenges and prospects in the field of PLA and its composites. PLA‐based composites are moderately abundant; and further research and development is needed for cost reduction and broader utilization. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:446–463, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers

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Identification of important abiotic and biotic factors in the biodegradation of poly(l-lactic acid)

Cited by 80 publications

References 36 publications

Effect of miscibility on mechanical and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid)/ polycaprolactone blends

Effect of miscibility on mechanical and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid)/ polycaprolactone blends

A review on degradation mechanisms of polylactic acid: Hydrolytic, photodegradative, microbial, and enzymatic degradation

Natural fiber reinforced polylactic acid composites: A review

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