Question

PLA is a bioplastic that is biodegradable. Explain how is is created and why it is biodegradable.

Answer 1

Explanation:

PLA is a polyester produced by fermentation under controlled conditions of a carbohydrate source like corn starch or sugarcane. ... The starch is then mixed with acid or enzymes and heated. This process “breaks” starch into dextrose (D-glucose), or corn sugar.

PLA is a polymer made from high levels of polylactic acid molecules.

For PLA to biodegrade, you must break up the polymer by adding

water to it (a process known as hydrolyzing). Heat and moisture are required for hydrolyzing to occur.

PLA consists of renewable raw materials and is biodegradable in industrial composting plants.

However, due to the lack of infrastructure, it is difficult to

compost PLA industrially or to

recycle it.