Poly(lactic acid) and Its Blends for Packaging Application: A Review

Stefano De Luca, Daniel Milanese, Duccio Gallichi-Nottiani, Antonella Cavazza and Corrado Sciancalepore ()
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Stefano De Luca: Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 181/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
Daniel Milanese: Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 181/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
Duccio Gallichi-Nottiani: Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 181/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
Antonella Cavazza: Interuniversity Consortium of Materials Science and Technology (INSTM), Via Giuseppe Giusti 9, 50121 Florence, Italy
Corrado Sciancalepore: Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 181/A, 43124 Parma, Italy

Clean Technol., 2023, vol. 5, issue 4, 1-40

Abstract: Biopolymers obtained from renewable resources are an interesting alternative to conventional polymers obtained from fossil resources, as they are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable aliphatic polyester produced from 100% renewable plant resources and plays a key role in the biopolymer market, and is experiencing ever-increasing use worldwide. Unfortunately, this biopolymer has some usage limitations when compared with traditional polymers; therefore, blending it with other biopolymers, such as poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene adipate) (PBSA), poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate) (PBAT) and different poly(hydroxyalkanoates) (PHA), is considered an interesting method to improve it significantly, customize its properties and extend the range of its applications. The following review highlights, in its first part, the physico-chemical and mechanical properties of PLA in comparison to the other biopolymers listed above, highlighting the various drawbacks of PLA. The second part of the review deals with recent developments, results, and perspectives in the field of PLA-based blends.

Keywords: biopolymers; poly(lactic acid); polymer blends (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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