Polylactic Acid (PLA)

Polylactic acid (PLA) is an excellent biopolymer that can be synthesized from renewable resources. It is a thermoplastic polyester generated from starch, rice, and corn. The features of PLA such as renewable origin, easiness in composite formation, simplicity in processing, and recyclability make it an exceptional polymer in many commercial applications. Its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and bioabsorbability extend its interest in biomedicine. These properties also make PLA stand out as a good choice when environmental pollution is concerned. These features assist the material in substituting conventional polymers in many fields of applications. The mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of PLA create contributions to medical, food packaging, textile, and many other industries. Blending PLA with other biopolymers results in value-added composites that have features better than neat PLA. The chapter focuses on various properties of PLA and the latest developments in its applications in different fields.