Energy Efficient Poly(Lactide) Obtaining by Microwave Synthesis

Abstract

The world is faced with the consequences of drastic reduction in fossil fuel reserves, because of their widespread use, not only as an energy source, but also as a feedstock for monomers obtaining. In order to solve this problem, the scientific community has focused on finding the new ways to exploit renewable resources and optimize the process of polymer materials production. The aim is to obtain applicable polymer whose complete life cycle is put in ecological framework. Poly(lactide) (PLA) meets these requirements as biodegradable polyester whose monomer is derived from plant feedstock containing carbohydrates. Different methods can be applied for PLA synthesis, but from the point of energy saving, as well as environmental protection, the microwave synthesis of PLA is the best solution. The use of microwaves enables homogenous heating of reaction mixture, lower consumption of organic solvent and drastic reduction in polymerization time, obtaining, in the same time, high molecular weight polymers.