Polylactic Acid: A Sustainable Alternative to Traditional Plastics
Origins and Production of PLA
Polylactic acid or PLA as it is commonly known, is a biodegradable thermoplastic derived from renewable plant sources such as corn starch, tapioca roots, and sugarcane. To produce PLA, these plant starches are first broken down into simple sugars through hydrolysis. Through fermentation, these sugars are then converted to lactic acid. The lactic acid produced is purified and undergoes a process called ring-opening polymerization, where the lactic acid monomers combine to form long chains, yielding a polyester called polylactic acid.
Material Properties and Applications
As a bioplastic, Polylactic Acid has several properties making it a viable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. It is compostable, meaning it can be broken down by microbes in commercial composting facilities within a period of three to six months. PLA also has mechanical properties similar to petro-plastic materials like polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS). It can be processed using the same manufacturing equipment as traditional plastics like injection molding and thermoforming. Major applications of PLA include food packaging, 3D printing filaments, fibers, clear films and plastic utensils like cups, plates and cutlery.
Environmental Benefits Over Conventional Plastics
One of the major advantages of PLA is that it is produced from renewable plant-based resources rather than petroleum or natural gas. This makes it more environmentally friendly than plastics derived from fossil fuels. Cradle-to-grave life cycle assessments have shown PLA produces 60-70% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional plastics. As PLA breaks down through microbial digestion, it does not produce toxic leachates like traditional plastics which persist in landfills or the natural environment. Another benefit is that PLA composting produces compost that can be used as a soil amendment rather than releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Challenges and Limitations
While Polylactic Acid offers environmental advantages, there are some challenges and limitations to its use that are being addressed through ongoing research and development. PLA has a higher production cost compared to traditional plastics at present. It also has lower heat deflection temperature, making it suitable only for single use applications not involving heat sterilization like medical devices. Pure PLA is brittle with low impact strength. However, blending it with other bioplastics or through the addition of plasticizers, its material properties can be improved. Another limitation is that high heat or moisture breaks down PLA before traditional plastics in disposal scenarios where composting may not be available.
Advancements Through Research and Development
Significant research is underway to address challenges and expand the applications of PLA. Scientists are engineering PLA to have material properties suitable for 3D printing applications through changes in molecular structure and production methods. Blending PLA with other biopolymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) is yielding new materials with improved mechanical properties. Researchers have also developed methods to produce PLA from alternative feedstocks like recycled food waste or agricultural residue with lesser environmental impact than corn or sugar crops. New catalysts are enabling the production of PLA with precise stereochemistry and enhanced thermal tolerance. These advancements along with the ability to recycle PLA bring it one step closer to wide replacement of traditional plastics.
Future Outlook
While Polylactic Acid production is currently only a small fraction of global plastic Polylactic Acid manufacture, its is steadily growing at over 10% each year according to reports. As more companies commit to sustainability goals and consumers demand eco-friendly options, the demand and production capacity of PLA is expected to increase substantially. If research and development overcomes current limitations around material properties and cost competitiveness, PLA could revolutionize the plastics in the next decade. With a closed loop production system from waste biomass to high performance applications, PLA holds promise to establish a truly circular economy for plastics alleviating the environmental burden of traditional plastics on the planet.
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Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)
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