We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Poly(lactic Acid): A Versatile Biobased Polymer for the Future with Multifunctional Properties—From Monomer Synthesis, Polymerization Techniques and Molecular Weight Increase to PLA Applications
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers examined the role of atmospheric transport in delivering microplastics to remote mountain environments, using passive samplers and air mass back-trajectory analysis to quantify deposition rates and identify source regions. The study found that urban and coastal source areas contributed the majority of deposited particles, even at high-altitude monitoring stations hundreds of kilometers away.
Environmental problems, such as global warming and plastic pollution have forced researchers to investigate alternatives for conventional plastics. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), one of the well-known eco-friendly biodegradables and biobased polyesters, has been studied extensively and is considered to be a promising substitute to petroleum-based polymers. This review gives an inclusive overview of the current research of lactic acid and lactide dimer techniques along with the production of PLA from its monomers. Melt polycondensation as well as ring opening polymerization techniques are discussed, and the effect of various catalysts and polymerization conditions is thoroughly presented. Reaction mechanisms are also reviewed. However, due to the competitive decomposition reactions, in the most cases low or medium molecular weight (MW) of PLA, not exceeding 20,000-50,000 g/mol, are prepared. For this reason, additional procedures such as solid state polycondensation (SSP) and chain extension (CE) reaching MW ranging from 80,000 up to 250,000 g/mol are extensively investigated here. Lastly, numerous practical applications of PLA in various fields of industry, technical challenges and limitations of PLA use as well as its future perspectives are also reported in this review.
More Papers Like This
Methods of Polymerization of Polylactide Bioplastic from Lactic Acid
AI summary Read the abstract
Scientists are researching better ways to make bioplastic (called PLA) from lactic acid, a substance derived from plants, instead of using petroleum-based plastics. This matters because traditional plastics don't break down easily and contribute to environmental pollution and microplastic contamination, which has raised concerns about human exposure through food, water, and air. Plant-based, biodegradable alternatives like this could help reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up polluting our environment and potentially our bodies.
Polylactic Acid: A Bio-Based Polymer as an Emerging Substitute for Plastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This review covers polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable plant-based polymer being developed as a more sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. PLA can be used for packaging and other applications, but improving its performance and reducing production costs remain challenges for wider adoption.
Modification of Poly(lactic acid) by the Plasticization for Application in the Packaging Industry
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers investigated the modification of poly(lactic acid) through plasticization to improve its mechanical properties for use in packaging industry applications as a biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics.
Bioplastics: Environment-friendly materials and their production technologies
AI summary Read the abstract
This review analyzes recent developments in bioplastics as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastics, examining raw material sources, production technologies, and biodegradation assessment methods, with special emphasis on polylactic acid (PLA) as the most widely used biodegradable polymer.
Catalysts as Key Enablers for the Synthesis of Bioplastics with Sophisticated Architectures
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how advanced catalyst design enables precise control over polylactide (PLA) architecture — including stereoregularity, branching, and block structure — expanding the performance envelope of this leading bioplastic beyond its current limitations in strength, flexibility, and heat resistance.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.