Manufacturing process significantly impacts the rate of degradation of polylactic acid (PLA) under controlled composting conditions
Jennie O'Loughlin, Hannah McDonnell, Robyn Lawless, Susan M. Kelleher, Samantha Fahy, Brian Freeland, Keith D. Rochfort, Jennifer Gaughran
Abstract
This study reveals that distinct processing and postprocessing methods can significantly affect the rate of disintegration of PLA during composting.
Topics & Concepts
Degradation (telecommunications)Polylactic acidProcess (computing)Manufacturing processPulp and paper industryEnvironmental scienceWaste managementProcess engineeringFood scienceChemistryMaterials scienceMicroplastics and Plastic Pollutionbiodegradable polymer synthesis and propertiesNanocomposite Films for Food Packaging