HEAT RESISTANT FOAMED PARTICLE OF POLYLACTIC ACID AND ITS MOLDED PRODUCT, AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide foamed particles of polylactic acid which are usable as a heat-resistant cushioning material, a molded product made of the foamed particles, and a manufacturing method thereof. SOLUTION: The manufacturing method comprises (1) blending a polylactic acid or a polylactic acid resin composition comprising L-form and D-form in a specific range of D/L ratio and then adding a thickener thereto to produce a polylactic acid composition, (2) impregnating the above composition with a 3-6C hydrocarbon compound as a foaming agent to produce foamable particles, and (3) subjecting the above foamable particles to a heat treatment for 10-300 sec by steam at a temperature of 50-105°C. COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO