Characterization of Simulated Postconsumer Recycled Poly (Lactic Acid) (PLA): Evaluation of Reprocessing Cycles on Its Physicochemical Properties

• DOI: 10.1002/pol.20241028
• Publication Date: 2025-03-23T19:14:11Z
• Authors: Tannia Silva; Francisco Rodrígu...; Julio E. Bruna; Alejandra Torres; Marina P. Arrieta; Simón Faba; María José Galotto; Abel Guarda; Julio Romero
• Keywords: Characterization

ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate the behavior of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) by simulating its post‐consumption use and mechanical recycling through multiple extrusion processes. Due PLA being used in production packaging materials for beverages such as water juice, plastic was exposed food simulants A B according international regulatory standards, these were then subjected repeated cycles, with a maximum five cycles. After each cycle, material's properties evaluated physicochemical characterization, including determination mean molecular weight viscosity (Mv), melt flow index (MFI), structural analysis via infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), IZOD impact strength, thermal using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermogravimetric (TGA), color evaluation CIELAB scale. Although change samples observed after different initial treatments reprocessing, did not significantly affect materials. However, noticeable occurred reprocessing would indicate polyester degradation various mechanisms generation chromophore species.