Technology background
The current global consumption of plastics exceeds 200 million tons per year, with an annual growth of approx. 5%, and the vast majority of these plastics derive from non-renewable sources such as petroleum. While only a small part of this total produced is destined for recycling, the rest of these materials are disposed of in landfills, causing great environmental impact. Seeking to reduce the impact caused by plastic materials, there is a growing demand for the production of biodegradable polymers from renewable sources, but that have properties similar to those from fossil resources.
Technology description
The present invention deals with a process for obtaining a poly(lactic acid) high molar mass and the use of poly(lactic acid) high molar mass obtained.
Problem Fixed
O poli(lactic acid) (PLA) is one of the most promising biopolymers, being an aliphatic polyester derived from renewable sources (mainly starch and sugar). Due to its high production cost and low availability, the main uses of PLA, until the last decade, were limited to medical applications, as implant devices, internal sutures, controlled drug release and, more recently, in tissue engineering.
Applications
The main applications include the use of this PLA in plastic packaging, fibras têxteis e invólucro para produtos eletrônicos.
Advantages
With the new advances made in PLA production technology, it is possible to increase the range of applications for this polymer, as they have good optical properties, physical, mechanical and aroma dams when compared to existing materials.
Technology Readiness Level (TRL – Technology Readiness Level)
Consult the updated TRL of this technology directly with the team responsible for the Technological Showcase. Access our Contact us!
Interested in licensing this technology? Contact the UFRGS Innovation Agency.
Status and opportunity
Patent granted by INPI under PI application number 1106280-0.
The patent can be found in full at Lume by link.
Inventors
Paulo Luiz de Andrade Coutinho
Rosina Coimbra
Cesar Liberato Petzhold
Ana Carolina Dolvitsch Pfluck
Douglas Gamba
Arthur Luiz Guedes Rocha
Visit the Lab… (Click on the logo)
