Polylactic Acid

(C₃H₄O₂)ₙ

IUPAC: Poly(2-hydroxypropanoic acid)

CAS: 26100-51-6

Overview

PLA is a biodegradable polymer made from corn starch or sugarcane. It is the most widely used bioplastic, found in 3D printing filament and compostable packaging.

Composition

Element Symbol Atoms Atomic Mass
Hydrogen H 4 1.0080
Carbon C 3 12.0110
Oxygen O 2 15.9990

Elemental Composition

H
Hydrogen ×4
5.6%
C
Carbon ×3
50.0%
O
Oxygen ×2
44.4%

Uses

  • • 3D printing filament
  • • Compostable food packaging
  • • Medical implants (absorbable sutures)
  • • Textile fiber

Fun Facts

  • ✦ The most popular material for consumer 3D printing, derived from renewable resources

Properties

Type
polymer
State
solid
Molar Mass
72.06 g/mol
Density
1.2100 g/cm³
Melting Point
157.0 °C
Solubility
insoluble

Related Compounds

Cellulose

(C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ

Epoxy Resin DGEBA

C₂₁H₂₄O₄

Kevlar

(C₁₄H₁₀N₂O₂)ₙ

Nomex

(C₁₄H₁₀N₂O₂)ₙ

Nylon-6,6

(C₁₂H₂₂N₂O₂)ₙ

Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin

(C₇H₆O₂)ₙ

Polyacrylonitrile

(C₃H₃N)ₙ

Polycarbonate

(C₁₆H₁₄O₃)ₙ

Polyethylene

(C₂H₄)ₙ

Polyethylene Terephthalate

(C₁₀H₈O₄)ₙ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polylactic Acid?
Polylactic Acid ((C₃H₄O₂)ₙ) is a polymer compound with the IUPAC name Poly(2-hydroxypropanoic acid).
What is the molecular weight of Polylactic Acid?
Polylactic Acid has a molar mass of 72.06 g/mol.
What state is Polylactic Acid at room temperature?
Polylactic Acid is a solid at room temperature.
Is Polylactic Acid organic or inorganic?
Polylactic Acid is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Polylactic Acid?
Polylactic Acid ((C₃H₄O₂)ₙ) is composed of Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O).