Poly(Lactic Acid)-Based Graft Copolymers: Syntheses Strategies and Improvement of Properties for Biomedical and Environmentally Friendly Applications: A Review |
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Authors: | Jean Coudane Hlne Van Den Berghe Julia Mouton Xavier Garric Benjamin Nottelet |
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Institution: | 1.Department of Polymers for Health and Biomaterials, Institut des Biomolecules Max Mousseron, UMR 5247, University of Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34000 Montpellier, France; (H.V.D.B.); (X.G.); (B.N.);2.Polymers Composites and Hybrids, IMT Mines d’Alès, 30100 Alès, France;3.EPF Graduate School of Engineering, 34000 Montpellier, France |
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Abstract: | As a potential replacement for petroleum-based plastics, biodegradable bio-based polymers such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA) have received much attention in recent years. PLA is a biodegradable polymer with major applications in packaging and medicine. Unfortunately, PLA is less flexible and has less impact resistance than petroleum-based plastics. To improve the mechanical properties of PLA, PLA-based blends are very often used, but the outcome does not meet expectations because of the non-compatibility of the polymer blends. From a chemical point of view, the use of graft copolymers as a compatibilizer with a PLA backbone bearing side chains is an interesting option for improving the compatibility of these blends, which remains challenging. This review article reports on the various graft copolymers based on a PLA backbone and their syntheses following two chemical strategies: the synthesis and polymerization of modified lactide or direct chemical post-polymerization modification of PLA. The main applications of these PLA graft copolymers in the environmental and biomedical fields are presented. |
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Keywords: | poly(lactic acid) chemical modification graft copolymers compatibilization biomedical and environmental applications |
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