Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), also known as poly(L-lactide), is a thermoplastic polyester with L-lactyl repeating units. This grade has a nominal inherent viscosity of 5.0 dL/g and consists of white to light tan granules.
PLLA has been used in melt rheology and shear-induced crystallization studies. Its response to processing depends on molar mass, temperature, and deformation history.
This grade has also been used with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) to fabricate vessel-like scaffolds for tissue engineering research. That application involved a polymer blend and subsequent scaffold preparation and surface treatment.
Key Properties
- Product number: 18582
- CAS number: 33135-50-1
- Polymer formula: (C6H8O4)x
- Nominal inherent viscosity: 5.0 dL/g
- Physical form: White to light tan granules
- Thermoplastic polyester with L-lactyl repeating units
- Inherent viscosity specification: 4.30–5.50 dL/g
- Synonyms: PLLA; L-PLA; poly(L-lactide)
Applications
Melt Rheology
PLLA has been used in parallel-plate rheometry to examine its response to controlled thermal and shear histories. Temperature, shear rate, and deformation time define the experimental conditions.
Shear-Induced Crystallization
This grade has been included in studies of how molar mass affects crystal nucleation following melt shearing. Rheological measurements and polarized-light microscopy were used to investigate crystallization and the resulting morphology.
PLLA–PLGA Scaffold Research
PLLA has been blended with PLGA to prepare vessel-like scaffolds by solution casting into sacrificial molds, freezing, and lyophilization. Subsequent fibronectin coating and endothelial cell seeding formed part of the tissue engineering workflow.
Viscosity & Processing Considerations
- Inherent viscosity and intrinsic viscosity are distinct quantities
- Compare solution-viscosity values using the same solvent, temperature, and polymer concentration
- PLLA is soluble in chloroform and dichloromethane; establish dissolution conditions for the intended concentration
- Control thermal and shear history when investigating melt behavior and crystallization
- Evaluate prepared blends and scaffolds under their specific processing and experimental conditions
Storage & Product Selection
Why Choose Polysciences?
Trusted by 6,000+ Researchers Worldwide
Cited in Thousands of Peer-Reviewed Studies
U.S. Manufacturing & Global Distribution
Reliable Delivery to 40+ Countries
FAQ
Click a question to expand.
1. What is poly(L-lactic acid), or PLLA?
PLLA is a thermoplastic polyester with L-lactyl repeating units. Poly(L-lactide) is another name for this polymer. This grade consists of granules with a nominal inherent viscosity of 5.0 dL/g.
2. What does IV 5.0 dL/g mean?
IV refers to inherent viscosity for this grade. The nominal value is 5.0 dL/g, with a specification range of 4.30–5.50 dL/g. Inherent viscosity is a solution measurement and should be compared under matching solvent, temperature, and concentration conditions.
3. What is PLLA used for in research?
This grade has been used in melt rheology and shear-induced crystallization studies, and as a component of PLLA–PLGA scaffolds for tissue engineering research. These uses involve defined processing conditions and, for scaffolds, additional formulation and preparation steps.
4. What are the CAS number and structure of PLLA?
PLLA has CAS number 33135-50-1. Its chain contains repeating –O–CH(CH3)–CO– units with the L configuration. The polymer formula can be represented as (C6H8O4)x using a lactide-derived repeat containing two lactyl units.
5. How should PLLA granules be stored?
Store PLLA at −20°C and protect it from moisture. The material is hygroscopic. Follow the SDS for handling, ventilation, and personal protective equipment.
6. Which solvents dissolve this PLLA grade?
PLLA is soluble in chloroform and dichloromethane. Establish dissolution conditions for the intended polymer concentration and follow the safety guidance for the selected solvent.
7. Where can I obtain the PLLA SDS and product specification?
Download the PLLA Safety Data Sheet and product specification. For lot-specific documentation, contact Polysciences and specify catalog 18582.
