Green Copolymers Based on Poly(Lactic Acid)—Short Review

Konrad Stefaniak; Anna Masek

doi:10.3390/ma14185254

journal article Open Access Sep 13, 2021

Green Copolymers Based on Poly(Lactic Acid)—Short Review

Konrad Stefaniak Anna Masek

Materials Vol. 14 No. 18 pp. 5254 · MDPI AG

View at Publisher Save 10.3390/ma14185254

Abstract

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer that can be applied in the field of packaging and medicine. Its starting substrate is lactic acid and, on this account, PLA can also be considered an ecological material produced from renewable resources. Apart from several advantages, polylactic acid has drawbacks such as brittleness and relatively high glass transition and melting temperatures. However, copolymerization of PLA with other polymers improves PLA features, and a desirable material marked by preferable physical properties can be obtained. Presenting a detailed overview of the accounts on the PLA copolymerization accomplishments is the innovation of this paper. Scientific findings, examples of copolymers (including branched, star, grafted or block macromolecules), and its applications are discussed. As PLA copolymers can be potentially used in pharmaceutical and biomedical areas, the attention of this article is also placed on the advances present in this field of study. Moreover, the subject of PLA synthesis is described. Three methods are given: azeotropic dehydrative condensation, direct poly-condensation, and ring-opening polymerization (ROP), along with its mechanisms. The applied catalyst also has an impact on the end product and should be adequately selected depending on the intended use of the synthesized PLA. Different ways of using stannous octoate (Sn(Oct)2) and examples of the other inorganic and organic catalysts used in PLA synthesis are presented.

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Details

Published: Sep 13, 2021
Vol/Issue: 14(18)
Pages: 5254
License: View

Authors

K

Konrad Stefaniak

Institute of Polymer and Dye Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Lodz, Poland

A

Anna Masek

Institute of Polymer and Dye Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Lodz, Poland

Cite This Article

Konrad Stefaniak, Anna Masek (2021). Green Copolymers Based on Poly(Lactic Acid)—Short Review. Materials, 14(18), 5254. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14185254

Green Copolymers Based on Poly(Lactic Acid)—Short Review

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