Synthesis of copolymer from lactic acid-polyethylene terephthalate (LA-PET) copolymerization

Abstract

Bio-plastic has been a need of the hour for the past few decades and the usage of lactic acid (LA) in the production of bio plastic opens a new window to the field. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) thermoplastic polyester with excellent tensile and impact strength, chemical resistance, clarity, process ability, and transparency has become a bane to the society. The co polymerization increases the mechanical strength of LA. In this study, the production and optimization of the copolymer of LA –PET was done. The blend of sugarcane bagasse and corn stover was used for the production of LA by incubating with Lactobacillus sp. for 24 h. Lactobacillus sp. is a potent producer of lactic acid and crude curd was used as the source. The optimization in lignin breakdown by 10% NH4OH and 2% NaOH and acid hydrolysis by 10% H₂SO₄ of the blend was done. The process parameters in the copolymerization LA-PET using p-toluene sulfonic acid, ethylene glycol and stannous chloride were also analyzed. The products formed were confirmed by the FTIR analysis at various transmittance peaks at 1681, 3008 and 3610 cm^-1. The process of production of the copolymer proves to be a green technology by decreasing the PET contamination of the environment and also helping in the production of bio-degradable plastics in the run.
 
Key words: Lactic acid, copolymer, bioplastic, polyethylene terephthalate.