Synthesis and characterization of poly(lactic acid) based graft copolymers

This review summarizes recent developments in the preparation and characterization of grafting of poly(lactic acid) or polylactide (PLA). PLA is the most expansively researched and utilized biodegradable, biocompatible, compostable, recyclable and renewable thermoplastic polyester. The graft copolymers of PLA have been synthesized and characterized by different spectroscopic techniques, including FTIR spectra and NMR data. The graft copolymers of PLA have been analyzed critically by taking different monomers/polymers; such as chitosan, cellulose, starch, polyethylene glycol, vinyl based polymers, lignin, dextran, methyl methacrylate, maleic anhydride and graphene oxide. In the first part of this review, the grafting of PLA and applications of grafted PLA has been discussed briefly. The second part, the major objective of this paper, focuses on the synthesis and characterization of different PLA based graft copolymers. For few cases, where useful properties, such as high molecular weight, narrow PDI, or stereocontrol, have been observed, a more detailed examination of the graft copolymers is provided.