PLLA
polymerPoly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) is a semicrystalline, biodegradable polyester derived from renewable resources, commonly produced via ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide. It is a thermoplastic material valued in applications demanding biocompatibility, controllable degradation timescales, and moderate mechanical strength. PLLA dominates the medical device and packaging sectors because it breaks down into benign lactic acid through hydrolysis, eliminating permanent implant removal in many clinical contexts, while its stiffness and processability make it competitive with conventional plastics for short-service-life consumer products where environmental persistence is a liability.
biodegradable medical implants and suturesorthopedic fixation devicestissue engineering scaffoldscompostable packaging filmsdrug delivery systemstemporary structural reinforcement
Compliance & Regulations
?UL 94?Conflict Free?RoHS?REACH?TSCA?Prop 65
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Compressive Strength(σc) | — | ksi | — | — | |
Elongation at Break(εf) | — | - | — | — | |
Flexural Strength (MOR)(σf) | — | ksi | — | — | |
Hardness (Vickers)(HV) | — | HV | — | — | |
Ultimate Tensile Strength(σUTS) | — | ksi | — | — | |
Young's Modulus(E) | — | ksi | — | — |
Verified Unverified Low confidence (<80%) Link to source
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Refractive Index(n) | — | - | — | — |
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.