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1772857 
Journal Article 
Review 
Polylactic acid (PLA): Research, development and industrialization 
Pang, X; Zhuang, X; Tang, Z; Chen, X 
2010 
Yes 
Biotechnology Journal
ISSN: 1860-6768
EISSN: 1860-7314 
5 
11 
1125-1136 
English 
21058315 
WOS:000284012300012 
Polylactide (PLA) is a biodegradable, aliphatic polyester derived from lactic acid. It has similar mechanical properties to polyethylene terephthalate, but has a significantly lower maximum continuous use temperature. PLA products can be recycled after use either by remelting and processing the material a second time or by hydrolyzing to lactic acid, the basic chemical. In this review, the technologies for polymerization of the lactic acid and the comparison of physical, thermal and mechanical properties, biodegradability, and biocompatibility of the PLA and copolymers with other similar polymers are described. 
Biodegradable; Catalyst; Copolymer; Lactide; Polyester