Performance Improved for PLA

About

About this Technology This technology is a novel monomer (carbohydrate 1,5-lactone) that is prepared from D-gluconolactone  in an easy, two-step process. It can either be polymerised with itself to produce a homopolymer or with a second lactone to produce a co-polymer. The latter is the current key application for this technology as it addresses the critical issues associated with PLA. The technology can be used as: a bio-derived packaging material for direct replacement of PLA due to its improved mechanical properties, and/or due to improved biodegradability/composting properties (e.g. as fibrous materials [such as baby nappies, wipes and wadding]); scaffolds for tissue engineering or for controlled in vivo drug release due to lack of toxicity, compatibility with cells; additives for materials in composite manufacture e.g. compatibilizers; laminates for paper.