THE BASIC PROPERTIES OF POLY(LACTIC ACID) PRODUCED BY THE DIRECT CONDENSATION POLYMERIZATION OF LACTIC-ACID

Poly(lactic acids) with high molecular weights have been synthesized b y direct condensation polymerization of lactic acid. These polymers ha ve good mechanical properties and can be processed into products such as cups, film, and fiber, which can be used as compostable materials. This polymerization method can be applied to the synthesis of copolyme rs of lactic acid and other hydroxyacids. The properties of poly(lacti c acid) and copolymers synthesized by the direct process are different from those of polymers obtained by the conventional lactide process.