Okay, i will give a little run down. im a bit scratchy on this my self, though it may help.
Polylactic Acid (PLA) is a biopolymer.
Bio mass such as waste from corn, potatoe, and maize crops contains starch.
Starch can be broken down using enzymes into simple sugars. Lactose, a simple sugar, can be fermented by lactic bacteria to produce lactic acid.
Lactic Acid then undergoes condensation polymerisation to form PLA. It now has properties similar to PET and is very strong though is also biodegradable.
structure is as follows:
......H....H...O
......|.....|....||
H---C---C---C
......|.....|.....|
..... H....OH.OH
note remeber to draw the bonds as joining to the oxygen NOT the hydrogen for (OH)
and the dots are only their so all the 'H', 'OH' and '|' dont move all up against the left...
Advantages of PLA - Biodegradable
- Grease Resistant
- Food Contact Acceptable
- Oil Resistant
- Clarity, High
- Crystalline
- Heat Seal, Good
- Machinable
- General Purpose
Typical PLA Applications - Cups
- Packaging
- Containers, Food
- Food Service Applications
- Bottles
- Tableware, Disposable
- Non-wovens
- Outdoor Applications
- Film, Bi-axially Oriented
Lots of PLA technical stats at
http://www.ides.com/generics/PLA.htm
ummmm may get back to you. i chose this biopolymer as well.
good luck