Surface Modification of Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) via Alkaline Hydrolysis Degradation

Surface hydrophobicity of poly (lactic acid) have raise the concerns of surface incompatibility of PLA to function as biomaterial. Thus, various approaches have been made to improve the surface hydrophilicity of PLA. In the present paper, PLA materials were surface modified by alkaline hydrolysis. The indication of the reduction in water contact angle value, from 65 ̊ to 50 ̊ and 15 ̊, in 0.01M and 1M alkaline concentration respectively, proven surface hydrophilicity of PLA film was improved. Further alkaline treatment after 24 hours shows not significant reduction in contact angle. Whereas, the erosion of film surfaces treated under 1M alkaline solution have been observed under polarized optical microscopy. Intrinsic viscosity measurement was also conducted to monitor the surface treatment process. As a whole, surface treatment was successful and sufficient when no further decreased in contact angle value, thus prevent extensive surface erosion.