Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) is a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer derived from renewable sources. With an inherent viscosity (IV) of approximately 1.0 dL/g, it provides mechanical strength, thermal stability, and processability for research involving biodegradable polymer materials.
This PLLA grade is useful for laboratory work involving 3D printing and additive manufacturing, sustainable packaging, textiles and fibers, composite materials, and biomedical materials research where biodegradability and material performance are being evaluated.
Key Properties
- Biodegradable thermoplastic polymer derived from renewable sources
- Product Number: 06529
- CAS Number: 33135-50-1
- Linear formula: [-OCH(CH3)CO-]n
- Molecular weight: ~100,000
- Inherent viscosity: IV ~1.0 dL/g
- Specification range: 0.8-1.2 dL/g at 0.1% in chloroform, 25°C
- Synonyms: L-PLA, PLLA, poly(L-lactic acid), poly(L-lactide)
- Glass transition temperature (Tg): 60-65°C
- Melting point: 173-178°C
- Appearance: White to off-white granules
Applications
Biodegradable Polymer Research
Used in research involving biodegradable thermoplastic polymers where mechanical strength, thermal stability, and processability are important.
3D Printing & Additive Manufacturing
Useful in additive manufacturing studies where structural integrity, melt behavior, and biodegradability are being evaluated in precision-printed parts.
Sustainable Packaging
May be used in biodegradable plastics, compostable film research, and packaging material development as a renewable polymer alternative.
Textiles & Fibers
Suitable for research involving biodegradable nonwoven fabrics, performance textiles, and fiber-based polymer materials.
Composite Materials
May be used in fiber-reinforced biocomposites and materials development studies where biodegradable polymer matrices are required.
Biomedical Materials Research
PLLA is widely studied in biomedical materials research, including scaffold and resorbable polymer applications. Suitability for any medical, clinical, or regulated use must be evaluated for the intended application.
Solubility & Compatibility
-
Soluble in: Chloroform, dichloromethane (DCM)
-
Polymer type: Biodegradable aliphatic polyester thermoplastic
-
Moisture sensitivity: Hygroscopic; protect from moisture exposure
-
Formulation use: Applicable to biodegradable polymer, additive manufacturing, packaging, fiber, and composite material studies
-
Compatibility: Performance depends on solvent system, temperature, molecular weight, processing conditions, additives, and target application
Final material behavior should be evaluated under the intended formulation, processing, and application conditions.
Preparation Tips
- Confirm compatibility with the intended solvent, polymer blend, additive package, or processing system before scale-up.
- Protect the material from moisture during weighing, transfer, and processing.
- Allow refrigerated material to equilibrate before opening when needed to reduce condensation risk.
- Evaluate thermal behavior under target processing conditions before use in melt processing or additive manufacturing studies.
- Document solvent, concentration, temperature, drying, and processing conditions for reproducible results.
Handling & Storage
- Exercise normal care when handling this material.
- Store at -20°C.
- Keep container tightly closed when not in use.
- Protect from moisture uptake.
- Use clean, dry tools to prevent contamination.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Poly(L-lactic acid) used for?
Poly(L-lactic acid) is used in research involving biodegradable thermoplastics, additive manufacturing, sustainable packaging, textiles and fibers, composite materials, and biomedical materials.
2. What does IV 1.0 dL/g mean?
IV refers to inherent viscosity, a solution viscosity measurement related to polymer chain length and molecular characteristics. This product has an IV of approximately 1.0 dL/g, with a specification range of 0.8-1.2 dL/g.
3. What is the molecular weight of this PLLA product?
The current live product specifications list the molecular weight as approximately 100,000.
4. What solvents is Poly(L-lactic acid) soluble in?
This product is listed as soluble in chloroform and dichloromethane (DCM). Compatibility should be evaluated under the intended formulation or processing conditions.
5. Is this PLLA product suitable for medical or clinical use?
This material is useful for biomedical materials research. Suitability for any medical, clinical, implantable, or regulated use must be independently validated for the intended application and regulatory requirements.
6. How should Poly(L-lactic acid) be stored?
Store at -20°C, keep the container tightly closed, and protect from moisture. Refer to the SDS for complete safety and handling guidance.
Safety & Documentation
This product is listed as harmless under normal precautions and hygroscopic. Exercise normal care when handling this material and refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for hazard information, recommended PPE, and safe handling guidance.
