Investigation of mechanical properties and applications of polylactic acids-a review

Polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the most promising biopolymers used nowadays and has a wide range of applications in food, packaging, pharmaceutical, and medical industries. PLA films and foams are emerging as the most promising new materials option for sustainable packaging because of their high clarity and environment-friendly character. In recent times, there has been a renewed interest in various technologies that have a much lesser impact on our environment. Numerous studies have come to the conclusion that engineering reforms are very important for environmental sustainability. Surgical processes and drug delivery systems have advanced a lot over the years, but the emergence of PLA has opened up new avenues in these fields. In 2016, PLA was the second most utilized bioplastic in the world. The main use of PLA is observed in packaging industries, followed by medical implants. A literature review has been carried out with the objective of familiarising the properties, and applications of PLA in the different areas of engineering and technology, additives used and their effects, and manufacturing techniques so that it enables the researchers to strengthen their study on PLA for further enhancing its applications and mechanical properties.