HYDROLYTIC DEGRADATION

Chapter 21 HYDROLYTIC DEGRADATION Hideto Tsuji, Hideto TsujiSearch for more papers by this author Hideto Tsuji, Hideto TsujiSearch for more papers by this author Book Editor(s):Rafael A. Auras, Rafael A. AurasSearch for more papers by this authorLoong-Tak Lim, Loong-Tak LimSearch for more papers by this authorSusan E. M. Selke, Susan E. M. SelkeSearch for more papers by this authorHideto Tsuji, Hideto TsujiSearch for more papers by this author First published: 03 June 2022 https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119767480.ch21 AboutPDFPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShareShare a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Summary Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), one of the aliphatic polyesters, is susceptible to hydrolytic degradation, in contrast to aromatic polyesters such as poly(ethylene terephthalate). The hydrolytic degradation rate of PLA should be manipulated when PLA-based materials are used for biomedical, pharmaceutical, and environmental applications. During the course of hydrolytic degradation, low-molecular-weight water-soluble oligomers and monomers are formed by the cleavage of chains and are released from the mother materials, resulting in weight loss. The chains in the crystalline regions are more hydrolysis resistant compared with those in the amorphous regions because the access of water molecules to the chains inside the rigid crystalline regions is prohibited. The material parameters include molecular and highly ordered structures, additives including other polymers and fibers, and the material morphology. Hydrolytic degradation causes the cleavage of ester groups, resulting in an increased number of hydrophilic terminal groups. Poly(Lactic Acid): Synthesis, Structures, Properties, Processing, Applications, and End of Life, Second Edition RelatedInformation