Progress in environmental-friendly polymer nanocomposite material from PLA: Synthesis, processing and applications

Abstract

The disposal of large amounts of waste from daily use polymers is among one of the foremost concerns in the current era. Effective utilization of bio-renewable materials procured from natural sources has been proposed as a potential solution to this problem. Among such different polymers, Poly lactic acid (PLA) which is a bio-degradable polymer, resembles quite promotable features, which can be polymerized from sustainable sources as chips sugarcane, starch and corn. Ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of Lactide (LA) monomer considering catalysts such as Al, Sn or Zn is one of the efficient methods for the PLA synthesis. However, the PLA polymerized through this type of catalysts may contain trace elements of the catalyst. Due to their carcinogenic nature, the traces of such catalysts should be (ideally) removed from the synthesis process. The use of alternative energy (AE-UV, Microwave) sources could be a potential route. Alternative development of non-metal catalysts is best alternatives for the processing of PLA through ROP. PLA layer based composite materials are gaining huge interest due to their multiple application (food, medical etc.) as eco-friendly material. In this article, we review on the implementation of AE sources for PLA processing and to populate the current state-of-the-art associated with the PLA research, especially application in nanocomposite materials field. A C C E P T E DACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT 2 ROP of Monomers through Metal/ ROP of Monomers through Metal/ ROP of Monomers through Metal/ ROP of Monomers through Metal/metal metal metal metal----free free free free Catalyst Catalyst Catalyst CatalystThe basis of the ROP process starts with opening the cyclic ring of monomers like amides (lactams), esters (lactones) and a cyclic ether. Then the opened ring acts as an active centre where other monomers join to create a longer polymer chain via ionic propagation consisting of initiation/ propagation as well as termination reactions [12]. In last two decades, several different classes of catalysts were implemented to synthesis PLA however, metal-based catalysts are the most common [7][8][9][10][11]. Apart from metal, organic and enzyme-based catalysts were also tried but with regards to the efficiency and reaction time, metal based catalysts show a more promising effect than non-metal based catalysts. Among many, Sn(Oct) 2 was a highly approved catalyst by United State food and drugs association (USFDA) for catalysis of LA. Once the monomer gets activated by the initiator (catalyst), the active site attracts other monomers to attach and increase the chain length. Thermodynamic and reaction kinetic are key factors for the suitability of polymerization of cyclic monomers [12], [13].

How Do Bioplastics and Fossil‐Based Plastics Play in a Circular Economy?

“…Technology and market developments of biodegradable plastics have continued after the completion of social implementation projects using biodegradable plastics such as the ones shown in Section . Such initiatives include changes in raw materials and production process development to further reduce the environmental burden as well as a biodegradability study from the viewpoint of sustainability. Additionally, business activities to demonstrate a “closed loop” system have been implemented in a fast food restaurant chain in which all cups, forks, knives, and packaging are compostable.…”

Influence of graphene nanoscrolls on the crystallization behavior and nano‐mechanical properties of polylactic acid

“…Polylactic acid (PLA), a naturally occurring biodegradable polymer, has attracted significant attention owing to its biocompatibility and biomedical applications . PLA possesses superior optical, physical, mechanical, and barrier properties when compared with commercially available polymers .…”

“…Polylactic acid (PLA), a naturally occurring biodegradable polymer, has attracted significant attention owing to its biocompatibility and biomedical applications. [8][9][10][11] PLA possesses superior optical, physical, mechanical, and barrier properties when compared with commercially available polymers. 9 Further, PLA can be used in a variety of broad applications because of its ability to be easily processed, stress or thermally crystallized, impact modified, and filled copolymerized.…”

A Review about various Nanomaterials in Drug Delivery Systems and their Applications

“…Among such different polymers, Poly lactic acid (PLA) which is a bio-degradable polymer resembled quite promotable features, which can be polymerized from sustainable sources as chips sugarcane, starch and corn [6]. Ring-opening polymerization of Lactide monomer considering catalysts such as Al, Sn or Zn is one of the efficient methods for the PLA synthesis [7].…”