Production of optically pure poly(lactic acid) from lactic acid

Optically pure poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was obtained from lactic acid via purification of the corresponding lactide. The optical purity of PLA was determined using polarimetry and NMR. In the depolymerization process, the effect of the reaction conditions and catalysts on optical purity of the lactide was examined with temperature having a significant effect. In addition, the degree of racemization increased with increasing molecular weight of the oligomeric PLA. The effects of temperature, time, solvent, and stirring speed (RPM) on the lactide purification process were examined in order to improve optical purity. Optical purity was maximized when separation was carried out at 25 °C. The optical purity of PLA was significantly affected by that of lactide used.