Poly(lactic Acid) - (Wiley Polymer Engineering and Technology) 2nd Edition by Rafael A Auras & Loong-Tak Lim & Susan E M Selke & Hideto Tsuji

About the Book

"This updated edition brings back one of the first comprehensive guides about polylactide polymers (PLA) that has widely been considered "the PLA Bible." This book presents the structural, physical, mechanical, processing, and applications information for polylactide polymers. Opening with a summary review of PLA and its current market applications, the book is broken into sections on chemistry and production; properties and characteristics; processing and conversion; biodegradability, recycling, and sustainability; and applications in the medical, packaging, and textile industries. This new edition reflects the advanced research on PLA and includes a new chapter on the mechanical and chemical recycling of PLA as well as revised chapters that incorporate the latest studies on PLA stereocomplex, new PLA composites, the environmental footprint of PLA, and much more."--

Book Synopsis

POLY(LACTIC ACID)

The second edition of a key reference, fully updated to reflect new research and applications

Poly(lactic acid)s - PLAs, biodegradable polymers derived from lactic acid, have become vital components of a sustainable society. Eco-friendly PLA polymers are used in numerous industrial applications ranging from packaging to medical implants and to wastewater treatment. The global PLA market is predicted to expand significantly over the next decade due to increasing demand for compostable and recyclable materials produced from renewable resources.

Poly(lactic acid) Synthesis, Structures, Properties, Processing, Applications, and End of Life provides comprehensive coverage of the basic chemistry, production, and industrial use of PLA. Contributions from an international panel of experts review specific processing methods, characterization techniques, and various applications in medicine, textiles, packaging, and environmental engineering. Now in its second edition, this fully up-to-date volume features new and revised chapters on 3D printing, the mechanical and chemical recycling of PLA, PLA stereocomplex crystals, PLA composites, the environmental footprint of PLA, and more.

• Highlights the biodegradability, recycling, and sustainability benefits of PLA
• Describes processing and conversion technologies for PLA, such as injection molding, extrusion, blending, and thermoforming
• Covers various aspects of lactic acid/lactide monomers, including physicochemical properties and production
• Examines different condensation reactions and modification strategies for enhanced polymerization of PLA
• Discusses the thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of PLA
• Addresses degradation and environmental issues of PLA, including photodegradation, radiolysis, hydrolytic degradation, biodegradation, and life cycle assessment

Poly(lactic acid) Synthesis, Structures, Properties, Processing, Applications, and End of Life, Second Edition remains essential reading for polymer engineers, materials scientists, polymer chemists, chemical engineers, industry professionals using PLA, and scientists and advanced student engineers interested in biodegradable plastics.

From the Back Cover

The second edition of a key reference, fully updated to reflect new research and applications

Poly(lactic acid)s - PLAs, biodegradable polymers derived from lactic acid, have become vital components of a sustainable society. Eco-friendly PLA polymers are used in numerous industrial applications ranging from packaging to medical implants and to wastewater treatment. The global PLA market is predicted to expand significantly over the next decade due to increasing demand for compostable and recyclable materials produced from renewable resources.

Poly(lactic acid) Synthesis, Structures, Properties, Processing, Applications, and End of Life provides comprehensive coverage of the basic chemistry, production, and industrial use of PLA. Contributions from an international panel of experts review specific processing methods, characterization techniques, and various applications in medicine, textiles, packaging, and environmental engineering. Now in its second edition, this fully up-to-date volume features new and revised chapters on 3D printing, the mechanical and chemical recycling of PLA, PLA stereocomplex crystals, PLA composites, the environmental footprint of PLA, and more.

• Highlights the biodegradability, recycling, and sustainability benefits of PLA
• Describes processing and conversion technologies for PLA, such as injection molding, extrusion, blending, and thermoforming
• Covers various aspects of lactic acid/lactide monomers, including physicochemical properties and production
• Examines different condensation reactions and modification strategies for enhanced polymerization of PLA
• Discusses the thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of PLA
• Addresses degradation and environmental issues of PLA, including photodegradation, radiolysis, hydrolytic degradation, biodegradation, and life cycle assessment

Poly(lactic acid) Synthesis, Structures, Properties, Processing, Applications, and End of Life, Second Edition remains essential reading for polymer engineers, materials scientists, polymer chemists, chemical engineers, industry professionals using PLA, and scientists and advanced student engineers interested in biodegradable plastics.

About the Author

RAFAEL A. AURAS, Professor, School of Packaging, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Michigan State University, USA.

LOONG-TAK LIM, Professor, Department of Food Science, University of Guelph, Canada.

SUSAN E. M. SELKE, Professor Emeritus, School of Packaging, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, Michigan State University, USA.

HIDETO TSUJI, Professor, Department of Applied Chemistry and Life Science, Toyohashi University of Technology, Japan.