Physics Wallah

Full Form of PLA, Polylactic acid or polylactide

authorImageGirijesh Singh3 Nov, 2023
Share

Share

PLA

The full form of PLA in Science is Polylactic acid or polylactide. Now that you know the meaning of PLA, what is it exactly? PLA is a biodegradable and bioactive polyester that is formed with the help of lactic acid building blocks. 

The high-density version of PLA was developed by using lactide and through the scientific process of ring-opening polymerization. It was discovered by Wallace Carothers in 1932 while heating lactic acid under a vacuum through removing condensed water. 

Polylactic acid is a thermoplastic monomer which is derived from renewable, organic or natural sources such as corn starch. The production of PLA is pretty cost-effective. 

Applications of PLA

As we mentioned earlier, PLA is biodegradable which makes it suitable for fashioning plastic film, bottles, and biodegradable medical devices, including screws, pins, plates, and rods. 

It is also useful in packaging items with shrink-wrap as it melts pretty well and can be used for 3D printing. So, it is cost effective, and can be used in many ways that can save up more of your money. 

[wp-faq-schema title=" Full Form of PLA FAQs" accordion=1]

Is PLA biodegradable?

Yes, PLA is biodegradable to a great extent. There are various methods through which you can decompose hydrolysis, thermal degradation, or photodegradation. 

What is PLA made of?

PLA is made from fermented plant starch from corn, cassava, maize, sugarcane, or sugar beet pulp. 

Where can PLA be used?

Polylactic acid can be used for 3D printing, shrink-wrapping, nails, bolts, rods, etc. 

What are the disadvantages of PLA?

PLA melts at very low heat, is not very reliable when it comes to strength, and is sometimes difficult to handle.
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Point IconLive & recorded classes available at ease
Point IconDashboard for progress tracking
Point IconMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Download ButtonDownload Button
Banner Image
Banner Image
Free Learning Resources
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others

Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.