Chemically Expediting the Degradation of Polylactic Acid

Overview

Objectives/Goals The objective of our science project was to see if acids and bases facilitate the hydrolysis of polylactic acid. Methods/Materials We chose to test the loud, but compostable three-layered Sun Chips bags, made of 100% polylactic acid (PLA). Using HCL, H2SO4, KOH, and NaOH in 1-molar and 5-molar concentrations, we soaked cutouts of the bag in beakers containing these strong acids and strong bases to facilitate and catalyze hydrolysis of the polylactic acid. Results The bags of the acidic solutions were compared those of the basic solutions to see how much degradation occurred. The basic solutions, after about 8 days, had dissolved the clear layer and the metallic layer of the bag and had fragmented the remaining layer. However, the acidic solutions had only dissolved the metallic layer and separated the clear layer from the bag. Conclusions/Discussion Through daily observations, we observed that the both kinds of solutions facilitate the hydrolysis of polylactic acid, but because of fragmentation, basic solutions facilitate hydrolysis more efficiently than the acidic ones. Next time, we can use different sources of PLA, particularly plastic ware, disposable cups, etc. In addition, by trying different concentrations of bases, we may be able to find one that is conducive to growing plants.

Competition history

• CSEF 2011 Chemistry · Entry S0612

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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