Polylactic acid (PLA) is a green, novel, nontoxic, biodegradable, biobased, innovative thermoplastic packaging material. With enhanced strength, transparency, and high elastic modulus, this polymer can be derived from renewable sources like starch and/or sugar. Its glass transition lies between 50 and 80 °C, and its crystalline melting temperature varies from 130 to 180 °C. PLA exhibits a unique, viable, biodegradable substitute for plastics. Generally, bio-decomposition of PLA takes place in approximately 6–24 months, depending on the environmental conditions.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Poly(D,L-lactide) is a polyamino acid that has been used to as a coating material.
