polylactic acid
polymerPolylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane, belonging to the polyester family. It is widely used in packaging, consumer goods, textiles, and medical devices where its combination of processability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental degradability provides advantages over conventional petroleum-based plastics. Engineers select PLA when end-of-life biodegradability is a design requirement, though its moderate thermal and mechanical performance compared to conventional polymers limits use in high-temperature or high-stress applications.
disposable food packaging and containers3D printing and rapid prototypingbiodegradable medical implants and suturestextile fibers and apparelconsumer electronics casingsagricultural mulch films
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 | — | — | |
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.