Basic information

Chemical name: (±)-lactic acid homopolymer (polylactic acid, PLA)

CAS number: 26100-51-6

Molecular formula: (C₃H₄O₂)ₙ or (C₃H₆O₃)ₓ (different degrees of polymerization)

Molecular weight: no fixed value (common specifications: Mw ~60,000, ~110,000, ~40,000)

Optical activity: including PDLA (dextrorotatory), PLLA (levorotatory), PDLLA (racemic), the racemic form is commonly used

Physical and chemical properties

Application areas

Biodegradable materials:

Packaging materials, disposable tableware, 3D printing consumables, which can be completely degraded into CO₂ and water by microorganisms within 1 year after disposal

Biomedicine:

Surgical sutures, drug sustained-release carriers (non-toxic, high biocompatibility)

Fibers and textiles:

Breathable antibacterial fibers for medical dressings and clothing

Cosmetic additives:

Controlled-release microcapsule carriers (such as vitamin sustained-release systems)

Safety and storage

Safety:

Non-hazardous goods (UN no number), no skin irritation, but gloves/goggles are required for operation

Complies with FDA GRAS (GRN 000340) and EU REACH standards

Storage conditions:

2~8℃ sealed away from light, filled with argon to prevent oxidation (humidity sensitive)

Uses

Polylactic acid (PLA) is made from crops such as corn and cassava. It is fermented and extracted by microorganisms to produce lactic acid, which is then refined, dehydrated, oligomerized, pyrolyzed, and polymerized. PLA has excellent biodegradability. It can be completely degraded by microorganisms in the soil within one year after being discarded, generating CO2 and water, without polluting the environment. PLA itself is an aliphatic polyester with the basic properties of a general polymer material. It has good mechanical processing performance and low shrinkage. It can be used for most synthetic plastics and is widely used in the production of packaging materials, disposable tableware, home appliance housings, fibers, 3D consumables, etc.

Deshang Chemical directly supplies polylactic acid (CAS 26100-51-6), with a molecular weight of 40,000-110,000, which can be customized. It complies with FDA/REACH standards and is used in 3D printing, medical implants and environmentally friendly packaging. Click here to obtain technical parameters and customization solutions.