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Designed for Molecular Recycling: A Lignin-Derived Semi-aromatic Biobased Polymer

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Reprocessed polylactide: studies of thermo-oxidative decomposition.

J D Badia¹, L Santonja-Blasco, A Martínez-Felipe

¹Instituto Tecnológico de Materiales. Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Camino de Vera, s/n, 46022 Valencia, Spain.

Bioresource Technology

|April 7, 2012

Summary

Combustion of virgin and reprocessed polylactide (PLA) was studied. Recycled PLA, even after multiple cycles, is suitable for energetic valorization using existing combustion technologies.

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Chemical Engineering
Polymer Chemistry

Background:

Polylactide (PLA) is a widely used bioplastic, but its reprocessing and energetic valorization require detailed understanding of its combustion behavior.
Assessing the thermal stability and gas emissions of virgin and recycled PLA is crucial for sustainable waste management and energy recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

To simulate and analyze the combustion process of virgin and reprocessed polylactide (PLA) under oxygen.
To develop a comprehensive methodology for evaluating thermal stability and gas emissions.
To investigate the feasibility of using combustion for the energetic valorization of recycled PLA.

Main Methods:

Multi-rate linear non-isothermal thermogravimetric experiments were conducted.
A new model, Thermal Decomposition Behavior, and Zero-Decomposition Temperatures were employed to assess thermal stability.
Evolved Gas Analysis with in-line FT-IR analysis monitored gas release.
Kinetic analysis with variable activation parameters was performed.

Main Results:

A complete methodology for analyzing thermal stability and gas emissions was established.
The Thermal Decomposition Behavior model and Zero-Decomposition Temperatures effectively evaluated PLA's thermal stability.
Kinetic analysis suggested melt-phase bubble formation influences decomposition.
Combustion technologies for virgin PLA are applicable to its recyclates.

Conclusions:

Combustion is a viable method for the energetic valorization of polylactide (PLA) recyclates.
PLA subjected to more than three reprocessing cycles can be effectively utilized for energy recovery.
The study confirms the transferability of combustion technologies from virgin PLA to recycled PLA.