Polylactic Acid: A Practical Guide for the Processing, Manufacturing, and Applications of PLA

Polylactic Acid: A Practical Guide for the Processing, Manufacturing, and Applications of PLA, Third Edition provides a practical guide for engineers and scientists engaged in PLA research and the development of new products. This new edition addresses the latest updates on PLA synthesis, eco-profiles such as lifecycle assessments, and advancements in 3D printing technology. It also includes details on the new PLA products available in the market and profiles major industrial players that have emerged in recent years. Additionally, it highlights newer applications like shape memory PLA, biomedical chemotherapy, and wearable electronics, which have garnered significant interest in recent years.

The current market landscape for PLA and biodegradable polymers is described, along with applications across a range of market sectors. In addition, it covers the mechanical, chemical, thermal, rheological, and degradation properties of PLA, providing a comprehensive understanding of this sustainable material. The book is not only a valuable introduction to academics, researchers, and policymakers to this topic, but also serves as a practical reference guide to support decision-making within the plastics industry.

• Covers the properties, synthesis and polymerization of PLA, along with processing techniques involved in fabricating parts from this polymer
• Offers detailed guidance on how to process, manufacture, and scale-up PLA for industrial use, presenting an essential reference for engineers, scientists, and product designers considering switching to a sustainable plastic
• Includes critical new chapters on PLA membrane and separation, and cutting-edge applications of PLA in smart polymers, wearable electronics, responsive systems, active packaging materials, and more

Lee Tin Sin is a researcher, professional engineer and associate professor. He graduated with Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical-Polymer) First Class Honours and Ph.D in Polymer Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Dr. Lee has been involved in rubber processing, biopolymer, nanocomposite and polymer synthesis with numerous publications of journal papers, book chapters and conferences. He was the recipient of the Society of Chemical Engineers Japan Award for Outstanding Asian Researcher and Engineer 2018 for his contribution on polymer research. He was also conferred Meritorious Service Medal (PJK) by the Sultan of Selangor State, Malaysia in year 2019. He co-authored ‘Polylactic Acid’ (Elsevier), the First and Second Editions which were published in 2012 and 2019, respectively. In 2023, he co-authored ‘Plastics and Sustainability’, also published by Elsevier.

Bee Soo Tueen is a researcher, professional engineer and associate professor. She graduated with Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical-Polymer), Master of Engineering (Polymer Engineering), and Ph.D in Polymer Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Dr. Bee has published more than 70 journal papers on nanocomposites, flame retardant and biopolymer works. She co-authored ‘Polylactic Acid’ (Elsevier), the Second Edition of which was published in 2019. In 2023, she collaborated as a co-author on 'Plastics and Sustainability, also published by Elsevier.