normal (right angles)

Normal

Not all polymers produced by PolySciTech division are that unusual. Here some of the more common polymers are discussed. However, just because these polymers are more common they still have interesting and useful properties..


 

Normal Polymers


 

Related Sites


Site brought to you by PolySciTech

Poly(lactic acid)
a.k.a. poly(lactide)

PLA

Description

Polylactide is a common polyester available by synthetic alteration of naturally occurring lactic acid. Short chains can be made using polycondensation reactions (< 10k Da) however the MW of these is poorly controlled. Conversion of the lactic acid to dimer form and ring-opening polymerization allows for generation of higher molecular weight polymers with greater control of the polymer molecular weight. Due to the stereochemistry of the central carbon this polymer is present in both DL and L lactic forms. The subtle difference in stereochemistry has a drastic impact on mechanical properties and degradation.

PLLA - PDLLA
Poly(lactide) in L or DL racemic form.

Polylactic acid has a very useful property of naturally hydrolyzing back into lactic acid allowing it to be used medically for temporary implants and sutures.

Poly(lactic acid) polymers on PolySciTech.com

Full-text references

and a useful web page is Biodegradable and Biorenewable Materials Based on Lactic Acid.

FAQ

Q: Can you make other sizes, stereochemistries, and endcaps of polylactide?

A: Yes, this would be an extremely common polymer. The good news is we can typically fill these kinds of common requests in a 2-4 week delivery lead-time and, assuming you agree to allow the new product to become a catalog item, the price is the same as that of the other polylactides.