Quiescent Crystallization of Poly(Lactic Acid) and Its Copolymers-Based Materials

Abstract

Quiescent homo-crystallization and formed higher-ordered structures of poly(lactic acid) and its copolymers-based materials are affected by numerous parameters such as polymer architectures, additives, crystallization methods, and conditions and influence their physical and biochemical properties and biodegradation behavior. The present chapter overviews the effects of various parameters on the quiescent homo-crystallization in bulk from the melt and in solution, formed higher-ordered structures, and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid) and its copolymers-based materials, in terms of crystallization rate and mechanism, crystalline species (α- and δ-forms) and morphology, and the incorporation of comonomer units in the crystalline regions or the exclusion of comonomer units from the crystalline regions.