Thermal degradation of poly(lactic acid) measured by thermogravimetry coupled to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy

Thermal decomposition of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) has been studied using thermogravimetry coupled to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA-FTIR). FTIR analysis of the evolved decomposition products shows the release of lactide molecule, acetaldehyde, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Acetaldehyde and carbon dioxide exist until the end of the experiments, whereas carbon monoxide gradually decreases above the peak temperature in that the...