Lactic acid polymers: strong, degradable thermoplastics

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1981 · Mater. Eng.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7010801

Wehrenberg, R H

Copolymers of lactic and glycolic acids are being developed by researchers at Battelle and elsewhere as renewable-resource plastics. Other uses include matrices for controlled release of drugs and pesticides as well as in prosthetic devices. In contrast to conventional plastics, lactic acid polymers are biodegradable, and after several months exposure to moisture, these materials convert back to natural harmless products. The properties of lactic acid polymers are examined.

• OSTI ID: 7010801
• Journal Information: Mater. Eng.; (United States), Vol. 94:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
GLYCOLIC ACID
POLYMERIZATION
LACTIC ACID
POLYMERS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
BIODEGRADATION
BIOMASS
DRUGS
PLASTICS
RENEWABLE RESOURCES
TENSILE PROPERTIES
USES
CARBOXYLIC ACIDS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
DECOMPOSITION
ENERGY SOURCES
HYDROXY ACIDS
MATERIALS
MONOCARBOXYLIC ACIDS
ORGANIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PETROCHEMICALS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
RESOURCES
SYNTHETIC MATERIALS
140504* - Solar Energy Conversion- Biomass Production & Conversion- (-1989)
360403 - Materials- Polymers & Plastics- Mechanical Properties- (-1987)