Chemical hydrolysis process for converting polylactic acid into lactic acid monomer
A temperature-controlled acid hydrolysis method for converting polylactic acid (PLA) into its monomer form, lactic acid. Validated through laboratory experiments achieving approximately 85% conversion efficiency, the process supports circular economy goals in bioplastics recycling for food, pharmaceutical, and packaging applications.
Overview
This solution offers a chemical recycling method that converts polylactic acid (PLA), one of the most widely used bioplastics, back into its monomer form, lactic acid. Using temperature-controlled acid hydrolysis with hydrochloric acid (HCl), the process breaks down PLA polymer chains into reusable building blocks. This enables a circular lifecycle for PLA-based products, addressing growing concerns about bioplastic waste and supporting sustainable material management. The recovered lactic acid can serve as feedstock for new PLA production or for other industrial applications, creating value from end-of-life PLA materials.
Technical specifications
Process steps:
- PLA is cut and crushed into small pieces to increase surface area
- Material is placed in contact with a 3% m/v HCl solution
- Reaction proceeds at controlled temperatures between 100 and 150 degrees Celsius
- pH is monitored periodically to track reaction progress
- Solution is neutralized with sodium hydroxide after hydrolysis
- Lactic acid is extracted and collected
Key findings from validation experiments:
- Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) confirmed approximately 85% conversion efficiency
- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) revealed distinct peaks characteristic of lactic acid functional groups, including carbonyl (C=O) and hydroxyl (OH) vibrations, which were absent in pre-reaction PLA spectra
- Higher temperatures and longer reaction times correlate with improved conversion rates
Target applications:
- Food packaging and containers
- Pharmaceutical materials and devices
- Industrial packaging
- General PLA-based product recycling
Technology readiness level
The technology has been validated at laboratory scale, with demonstrated conversion efficiency of approximately 85% using LC-MS and FT-IR analytical techniques. Previous experiments have confirmed effective conversion of PLA into lactic acid through HCl-based hydrolysis. Future validation efforts will focus on quantifying variability in conversion rates across different HCl concentrations, temperature conditions, and PLA sources from multiple suppliers. The research team plans to establish collaborations with companies specializing in PLA production and application across food, pharmaceutical, and packaging sectors to advance process optimization and scaling.
About Universidade Federal de Viçosa
Universidade Federal de Viçosa is a public research university in Minas Gerais with a strong applied research and extension culture. Industry collaborations are supported by co-located experimental farms and field stations that enable real‑world trials alongside pilot‑scale facilities and specialized analytical laboratories. A university‑backed technology park and incubator provide space, mentorship, and shared infrastructure for corporate partnerships, while extension programs connect faculty expertise with producers and supply‑chain firms across the region. Research is sustained by competitive funding from Brazilian federal and state agencies and international sponsors. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, sponsored research agreements, and licensing, supporting startup formation and scale‑up with industry.
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