Physical and mechanical properties of PLA, and their functions in widespread applications — A comprehensive review

Abstract

Available online xxxxPoly(lactic acid) (PLA), so far, is the most extensively researched and utilized biodegradable aliphatic polyester in human history. Due to its merits, PLA is a leading biomaterial for numerous applications in medicine as well as in industry replacing conventional petrochemical-based polymers. The main purpose of this review is to elaborate the mechanical and physical properties that affect its stability, processability, degradation, PLA-other polymers immiscibility, aging and recyclability, and therefore its potential suitability to fulfill specific application requirements. This review also summarizes variations in these properties during PLA processing (i.e. thermal degradation and recyclability), biodegradation, packaging and sterilization, and aging (i.e. weathering and hygrothermal). In addition, we discuss up-to-date strategies for PLA properties improvements including components and plasticizer blending, nucleation agent addition, and PLA modifications and nanoformulations. Incorporating better understanding of the role of these properties with available improvement strategies is the key for successful utilization of PLA and its copolymers/composites/blends to maximize their fit with worldwide application needs.© 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Contents lists available at ScienceDirectAdvanced Drug Delivery Reviews

Effects of magnesium silicate on the mechanical properties, biocompatibility, bioactivity, degradability, and osteogenesis of poly(butylene succinate)-based composite scaffolds for bone repair

“…1 Poly(a-hydroxy acids), including poly(lactic acid) and poly(glycolic acid), 2,3 are extensively used for biomedical applications and have already been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although poly(a-hydroxy acids) have been widely used in clinical practice, their acidic degradation by-products could trigger strong inflammatory responses.…”

PLA-OMMT nanocomposites manufactured by reactive extrusion

“…PLA is used in a wide range of biomedical applications such as stents, surgical sutures, plates, and screws for craniomaxillofacial bone fixation, interference screws in ankle, knee, and hand, spinal cages, soft-tissue implants, tissue engineering scaffolds, tissue cultures, drug delivery devices, and craniofacial augmentation in plastic surgery [36]. In many cases PLA can be blended or copolymerized with other polymeric or non-polymeric components to achieve the desired behavior [37,38].…”

Investigation of thermophysical properties of heat-insulating barrier manufactured by incremental rapid prototyping method

“…This material belongs to the group of biodegradable aliphatic polyesters of organic origin. PLAs has a wide range of applications, ranging from medicine, due to bio-compatible properties [6,7], to packaging, electronics, etc. PLA can be manufactured with the addition of various types of fillers.…”