Polylactic Acid (PLA) is different than most thermoplastic polymers in that it is derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugar cane. Most plastics by contrast, are derived from the distillation and polymerization of nonrenewable petroleum reserves.
PLA is a bio-polymer. Bio-polymers can be produced from natural
resources
A natural bio-polymers is one that is extracted
directly from biological raw materials such as cellulose and cotton from
plants, wool from sheep and silk from moths
Poly-lactic acid (PLA), is a bio-polymer.
PLA is made from the starch found in plants
including beets, sugar cane, and tapioca.. Starch is a natural polymer, a
white, granular carbohydrate produced by plants during
photosynthesis Starch can be made into bio-plastic.
The huge benefit of PLA as a bioplastic is its versatility and the fact that it naturally degrades, when broken down for recycling, when exposed to the environment. For example, a PLA bottle left in the ocean would typically degrade in six to 24 months. Compared to conventional plastics (which in the same environment can take several hundred to a thousand years to degrade) this is truly phenomenal. Despite its ability to degrade when exposed to the elements over a long time, PLA is extremely robust in any normal application
There are a vast array of applications for Polylactic Acid. Some of the most common uses include plastic films, bottles, and biodegradable medical devices (e.g. screws, pins, rods, and plates that are expected to biodegrade within 6-12 months).
PLA products biodegrade into water, carbon dioxide and organic materials. and so can be composted. PLA will not emit toxic fumes when incinerated.
PLA is poised to play a big role as a viable, biodegradable replacement around the world.
Proponents also tout the use of PLA, which is technically “carbon neutral” in that it comes from renewable, carbon-absorbing plants, as yet another way to reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases in a quickly warming Everything from plastic trays for food take-out to medical products can now be made from PLA, which drastically reduces the carbon footprint of these industries.
Advanced versions of the technology are making major difference in the process of product development across a wide range of industries, including medical devices. And rapid prototyping using 3D printing technology provides more than just cost savings. Experts note that the quality and innovation of new designs, such as medical prosthetics, has been greatly improved.
While not yet the answer for mass production, the use of 3D printing will continue to revolutionize the process of rapid development of prototypes in all markets, including medical devices. One day, it may even be possible to manufacture vaccines and DNA molecules with this technology. Until then, developers are saving time and money, and creating new and improved medical devices that make a real difference in people’s lives.