PROCESSING OF POLY(LACTIC ACID)

Chapter 13 PROCESSING OF POLY(LACTIC ACID) Loong-Tak Lim, Loong-Tak LimSearch for more papers by this authorTim Vanyo, Tim VanyoSearch for more papers by this authorJed Randall, Jed RandallSearch for more papers by this authorKevin Cink, Kevin CinkSearch for more papers by this authorAshwini K. Agrawal, Ashwini K. AgrawalSearch for more papers by this author Loong-Tak Lim, Loong-Tak LimSearch for more papers by this authorTim Vanyo, Tim VanyoSearch for more papers by this authorJed Randall, Jed RandallSearch for more papers by this authorKevin Cink, Kevin CinkSearch for more papers by this authorAshwini K. Agrawal, Ashwini K. AgrawalSearch for more papers by this author Book Editor(s):Rafael A. Auras, Rafael A. AurasSearch for more papers by this authorLoong-Tak Lim, Loong-Tak LimSearch for more papers by this authorSusan E. M. Selke, Susan E. M. SelkeSearch for more papers by this authorHideto Tsuji, Hideto TsujiSearch for more papers by this author First published: 03 June 2022 https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119767480.ch13 AboutPDFPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShareShare a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Summary The use of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) in packaging and other consumer products has increased considerably over the past decade. This chapter provides an overview of the main process technologies for PLA and presents the material properties needed for selected processing technologies. Additives are formulated into PLA during processing to enhance its material properties and/or to facilitate processing. These additives, in either solid or liquid form, can be incorporated into PLA during melt extrusion. PLA is a hygroscopic polymer that readily absorbs moisture from the air. Drying of PLA is commonly achieved using a closed-loop dual-bed regenerative desiccant-type dryer. Extrusion is the key unit operation for converting solid PLA into a homogeneous melt for fabrication in many manufacturing processes, such as sheet extrusion, injection molding, single-stage stretch-blow molding, film blowing, and melt spinning. The casting of PLA film and sheet is practically identical. Poly(Lactic Acid): Synthesis, Structures, Properties, Processing, Applications, and End of Life, Second Edition RelatedInformation