POLYLACTIC ACID Meaning and
Definition
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Polylactic acid, commonly known as PLA, is a thermoplastic polymer that is produced from renewable resources. It is a versatile and biodegradable material that has gained popularity as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based plastics. PLA is derived from natural sources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or other plant-based materials through a process known as fermentation.
Chemically, polylactic acid belongs to the family of polyesters and is composed of lactic acid monomers. These monomers are obtained by fermenting sugar-rich plants with lactic acid bacteria. The resulting lactic acid undergoes a polymerization process in which the molecules link together to form long chains, resulting in the formation of a solid plastic.
One of the key characteristics of polylactic acid is its ability to biodegrade under specific conditions. It can disintegrate into water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter through the action of microorganisms, making it an environmentally friendly material. PLA also has a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional plastics, as it emits fewer greenhouse gases during its production.
Due to its biodegradability and sustainable nature, polylactic acid has found applications in various industries. It is commonly used in the production of packaging materials, disposable cutlery, food containers, medical implants, 3D printing filaments, and textiles. However, it is worth noting that PLA does have limitations, such as lower heat resistance and slower degradation rates in certain environments.
In summary, polylactic acid is a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer derived from renewable resources that holds promise as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics in a wide range of applications.
Common Misspellings for POLYLACTIC ACID
- oolylactic acid
- lolylactic acid
- -olylactic acid
- 0olylactic acid
- pilylactic acid
- pklylactic acid
- pllylactic acid
- pplylactic acid
- p0lylactic acid
- p9lylactic acid
- pokylactic acid
- popylactic acid
- pooylactic acid
- poltlactic acid
- polglactic acid
- polhlactic acid
- polulactic acid
- pol7lactic acid
- pol6lactic acid
- polykactic acid
Etymology of POLYLACTIC ACID
The word "polylactic acid" (PLA) has its etymology rooted in the Greek and Latin languages.
1. "Poly" comes from the Greek word "polus" meaning "many" or "much".
2. "Lactic" comes from the Latin word "lacticus" which means "pertaining to milk". It is derived from the Latin word "lac" meaning "milk".
3. "Acid" comes from the Latin word "acidus" meaning "sour" or "sharp".
When combined, "polylactic acid" refers to a polymer made up of many lactic acid units. Lactic acid, in turn, got its name due to its sour taste, which was first isolated from sour milk. PLA is a biodegradable and bioactive polymer derived from renewable sources and has gained popularity as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plastics.
