Polímeros: Ciência e Tecnologia
https://app.periodikos.com.br/journal/polimeros/article/doi/10.1590/0104-1428.20260003
Polímeros: Ciência e Tecnologia
Original Article

Characterization, gas transport properties, and degradability potential of poly(lactic acid) membranes

Fernando Silva Dal Magro; Wendel Paulo Silvestre; Luis Rafael Bonetto; Camila Baldasso

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Abstract

PLA membranes containing 8 wt.% and 12 wt.% PLA were synthesized and their morphological characteristics, gas transport properties, and potential for degradability were assessed. Morphological analyses revealed dense asymmetric structures with pores distributed on the surface and a porous sublayer without formation of macrovoids. The increase in polymer concentration promoted greater thickness of the dense layer and changes in pore distribution, directly influencing compaction behavior and gas transport. The 12 wt.% membranes showed a higher permeate flux and a lower compaction factor compared to 8 wt.%, demonstrating greater structural stability. FTIR spectra confirmed the preservation of the chemical structure of PLA and indicated solvent removal after phase inversion. Degradability tests demonstrated a significant mass loss in 12 days of exposure to soil, indicating potential for degradation. The results obtained demonstrate the viability of producing biodegradable PLA membranes with properties for future applications involving gas transport and sustainable membrane separation technologies.

 

 

Keywords

biodegradability, biopolymers, membrane separation processes, green membrane, sustainability

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