Sustainable synthesis & purification of linear & branched poly (lactic acid)

International Conference and Exhibition on Biopolymers & Bioplastics

August 10-12, 2015 San Francisco, USA

Amy Goddard1,2, Kim Carmichael, Derek JIrvine2 and Steven M Howdle2

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Material Sci Eng

Abstract :

The ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of bio-based D,L-lactide (DLLA) using a range of renewable polyol co-initiators
is an essential route to tailoring the properties of poly (lactic acid) (PLA). ROP is normally conducted in the melt at high
temperatures (≥ 140 0C) with the need for harsh post-reaction treatment to remove toxic catalysts and residual monomer.
Using supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) we have shown significant reduction in reaction temperatures allowing us to
investigate the use of temperature sensitive biobased co-initiators. Furthermore through the use of scCO2 extraction, we can
efficiently remove residual monomer & metal-catalysts, leaving a pure product. The impact of structure on the biodegradability
of these low molecular weight products strongly influences their ability to act as a dispersants. Our data shows that modifying
the co-initiator and varying the PLA chain length are key to influencing the product properties. Our results could increase the
potential of PLA as a renewable and biodegradable replacement for petrochemical derived polymers, whilst also widening its
commercial application as a green dispersant. We believe our new “green” approaches to the production and purification of
PLA are significant steps towards the development and application of the next generation of biopolymers, taking into account
not only the choice of raw material but also the sustainability of processes and techniques used in synthesis.

Biography :

Amy Goddard is currently in the final year of her PhD at the University of Nottingham, UK, supervised by Steve Howdle and Derek Irvine. Her project forms part of
the REFINE network working towards developing new sustainable materials for the polymer industry, funded by the European Commission. She is a member of
the Process Innovation Team at Croda Ltd, a world leading specialty chemical company, and is an associate member of the Royal Society of Chemistry. She has
presented her work at international conferences including the Gordon Green Chemistry Conference in Hong Kong & Ecochem in Switzerland.