Abstract
AbstractThis study examines unique changes in the morphology and physical properties of monolithic poly(lactic acid) (PLA) enantiomers. It is revealed for the first time that PLA monoliths containing stereocomplex (sc) crystals are successfully produced using enantiomeric poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(D‐lactic acid) (PDLA) using a simple phase separation process with ternary solvent (1,4‐dioxane/2‐butanone/water). The basic structure of the monoliths is changed drastically from needle‐like to spherical morphology until reaching a PLLA/PDLA ratio to equivalence. The PLA monolith prepared from a stoichiometric amount of PLLA/PDLA has high sc crystallinity without any homochiral crystals, and it shows higher melting temperature (226 °C), surface area (131 m2 g−1), and water contact angle (144.5°) compared with those of neat PLLA (180 °C, 86 m2 g−1, and 137.5°, respectively). Moreover, this sc‐PLA monolith exhibits excellent resistance to several good solvents of PLLA, whereas the pristine PLLA monolith is dissolved instantly in these solvents.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
