High molecular weight of polylactic acid (PLA): A Review on the effect of initiator

This article reviews various initiator used to synthesize high molecular weight (MW >10,000 g/mol) of polylactic acid (PLA) through ring-opening polymerisation (ROP) lactide. ROP has been chosen as the best method in producing PLA. On other hand, stannous octoate (Sn(Oct)2) reported catalyst for method. Many researchers have studied that rate with presence only Sn(Oct)2 is slow compared lactide initiator. An also favourable PLA it can initiate synthesis Therefore, this review focus on catalysed by using different solvent Among groups initiators being reviewed are hydroxyl, carboxylic acid, aldehyde, aliphatic polyester and organophosphorus compound. Most studies applied nitrogen atmosphere a temperature range 125 200 °C, while one study vacuum condition. Duration time between 1 24 hours. Based review, alcohol (hydroxyl group initiator) produce functional act co-initiator molecule reacts Sn(Oct)2, forming initiating alkoxide linkage. The linkage necessary propagate monomer addition hence increase MW.&nbsp