Cited by 146biodegradable polymer synthesis and propertiesPolymer crystallization and propertiesInjection Molding Process and Properties

Review on the Degradation of Poly(lactic acid) during Melt Processing

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Velghe, Ineke, Buffel, Bart, Vandeginste, Veerle, Thielemans, Wim, Desplentere, Frederik·2023·Polymers

Abstract

This review paper presents an overview of the state of the art on process-induced degradation of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and the relative importance of different processing variables. The sensitivity of PLA to degradation, especially during melt processing, is considered a significant challenge as it may result in deterioration of its properties. The focus of this review is on degradation during melt processing techniques such as injection molding and extrusion, and therefore it does not deal with biodegradation. Firstly, the general processing and fundamental variables that determine the degradation are discussed. Secondly, the material properties (for example rheological, thermal, and mechanical) are presented that can be used to monitor and quantify the degradation. Thirdly, the effects of different processing variables on the extent of degradation are reviewed. Fourthly, additives are discussed for melt stabilization of PLA. Although current literature reports the degradation reactions and clearly indicates the effect of degradation on PLA’s properties, there are still knowledge gaps in how to select and predict the processing conditions that minimize process-induced degradation to save raw materials and time during production.

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Crossref · 10.3390/polym15092047

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  • Plastics used in food and beverage packaging usually contain additives that can affect polymer degradation and recyclability.

    “However, the plastics used in food and beverage packaging are not exclusively composed of polymers but usually contain a number of additives that can affect polymer degradation and recyclability.”

    From Effect of Degradation During Multiple Primary Mechanical Recycling Processes on the Physical Properties and Biodegradation of Commercial PLA-Based Water Bottles (2025) · cites this paper as [16]

    Section 5, “Additives for Melt Stabilization of PLA” (page unavailable), says chain extenders, antioxidants, and fillers can affect PLA degradation during processing. It does not establish that food and beverage packaging plastics usually contain additives or that those additives affect recyclability. (LLM, conf=0.85)

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  1. [15]Niaounakis M. Introduction Biopolymers: Processing and Products 1st ed. Elsevier Amsterdam, The Netherlands 2015

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Authors
Velghe, I., Buffel, B., Vandeginste, V., Thielemans, W., & Desplentere, F.
Affiliations
KU Leuven (BE)
Corresponding author
  • Velghe, Ineke
  • Desplentere, Frederik
Venue
Polymers
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2023-04-25
Volume
15
Issue
9
Pages
2047
ISSN
2073-4360 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W4367053420
Cited by
146
References
89
Citations by year
2026: 67 · 2025: 47 · 2024: 26 · 2023: 6
FWCI
2.56
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Polymers (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
  • Lirias (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
Research Foundation—Flanders (FWO) (1S16122N)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Biomaterials › biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Polymers and Plastics › Polymer crystallization and properties
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Mechanical Engineering › Injection Molding Process and Properties
Keywords
polylactic acid, melt processing, injection molding, extrusion, process parameters, degradation monitoring, rheology, thermal properties, mechanical properties, biodegradable polymers

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