PDLA

polymer

PDLA (poly-D-lactic acid) is a semi-crystalline, thermoplastic polyester derived from lactic acid, belonging to the polylactide family of biopolymers. It is widely used in biomedical applications such as orthopedic fixation devices, surgical sutures, and tissue engineering scaffolds due to its biocompatibility and controlled degradation profile. Engineers select PDLA over conventional polymers when biodegradability is critical, particularly in implantable devices where polymer removal surgery can be avoided, though its relatively modest thermal stability and mechanical performance limit its use in high-temperature or load-bearing structural applications compared to petroleum-based engineering plastics.

orthopedic implants and fixation devicesbiodegradable surgical suturestissue engineering scaffoldsdrug delivery systemsbiomedical coatingstemporary medical devices

Compliance & Regulations

?UL 94?Conflict Free?RoHS?REACH?TSCA?Prop 65
PropertyValueUnitConditionsSource
Compressive Strength(σc)
ksi
Elongation at Break(εf)
-
Flexural Strength (MOR)(σf)
ksi
Ultimate Tensile Strength(σUTS)
ksi
Young's Modulus(E)
ksi
Verified Unverified Low confidence (<80%) Link to source
PropertyValueUnitConditionsSource
Glass Transition Temperature(Tg)
°F
Melting Point / Solidus(Tm)
°F
Maximum Service Temperature(Tmax)
°F
Thermal Conductivity(k)
BTU/(hr·ft·°F)
Verified Unverified Low confidence (<80%) Link to source

Regulatory Screening

Environmental

Safety & Biocompatibility

RoHS, REACH, and Prop 65 statuses are validated against official substance lists (ECHA SVHC Candidate List, OEHHA Prop 65, RoHS Annex II). Other regulations are estimated from composition and material classification. All screening is a starting point for due diligence — always verify with your supplier before making compliance decisions.