Biodegradable plastic material
Development of dummy lens of poly(L-lactic acid) having high heat resistant
Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) is derived from plant and has been remarkable as a carbon-neutral resource. Since heat resistance and workability are lower than the generally-used petroleum-derived plastic, its application has been limited. By the addition of triallyl isocyanurate (a few percent) as a crosslinker, PLLA can be crosslinked by irradiation even at a low dose of tens kGy to improve its heat resistance. Not only thermal deformation resistance, but also radiation-crosslinking can keep transparency of PLLA. This crosslinking technology is transferred to private company and dummy lens for eye glasses is under development.
