What experiments are available in Synthesis of Polylactic Acid (PLA)?

This lab offers 1 interactive practical experiments: Polylactic Acid (PLA) Synthesis Virtual Laboratory Configuration.

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This virtual lab is designed for Chemical engineering students, educators, and self-paced learners preparing for board, diploma, and engineering coursework.

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Yes. Students can access guided theory, apparatus procedures, and interactive simulation practicals directly in their browser on Virtual Lab Simulator.

Chemical engineering

Synthesis of Polylactic Acid (PLA)

The Polylactic Acid (PLA) Synthesis Virtual Laboratory provides a multi-stage simulation environment for studying the catalytic synthesis, devolatilization, and characterization of bio-based polyesters. The software models two primary synthetic pathways: Ring-Opening Polymerization (ROP) of $L$-lactide using tin(II) octoate ($\text{Sn(Oct)}_2$) and Direct Polycondensation (DPC) of $L$-lactic acid using $p$-toluenesulfonic acid ($p$-TSA).

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Polylactic Acid (PLA) Synthesis Virtual Laboratory Configuration

Mechanism Comparison: To analyze the differences between chain-growth Ring-Opening Polymerization (ROP) and step-growth Direct Polycondensation (DPC) regarding reaction rate, equilibrium constraints, and final molecular weight ($M_w$).Kinetic & Thermal Modeling: To observe the effects of temperature, catalyst concentration ($\text{wt}\%$), stirring speed ($\text{RPM}$), and environmental moisture on monomer conversion, polydispersity index ($\text{PDI}$), and thermal runaway risks.Monomer Purification: To reduce residual unreacted monomer below the $1.0\text{ wt}\%$ food-grade/medical safety threshold using vacuum devolatilization.Analytical Characterization: To evaluate synthesized PLA samples using simulated FTIR spectra, DSC thermograms (identifying $T_g$, $T_{cc}$, $T_m$, and $\chi_c$), TGA mass-loss curves, and GPC molecular weight distribution curves.

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Synthesis of Polylactic Acid (PLA)

Polylactic Acid (PLA) Synthesis Virtual Laboratory Configuration

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Synthesis of Polylactic Acid (PLA)

Polylactic Acid (PLA) Synthesis Virtual Laboratory Configuration

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