3D Printing and a New Way to Synthesize Bio-Based and Biodegradable PLA in Chemistry Education for School Students

Felix Pawlak^1, and Stefan Schwarzer¹

¹University of Tübingen, Chemistry Education, Tübingen, Germany

Cite this paper:
Felix Pawlak and Stefan Schwarzer. 3D Printing and a New Way to Synthesize Bio-Based and Biodegradable PLA in Chemistry Education for School Students. World Journal of Chemical Education. 2023; 11(3):21-24. doi: 10.12691/wjce-11-3-1

Abstract

Plastics are a central part of our everyday lives. One plastic is increasingly finding its way into daily use: polylactic acid (PLA). PLA is being used more and more, as it is an important component (polymer) of bio-based and biodegradable plastic. However, experimental access to plastics for students in school chemistry classes is usually tricky because the syntheses of plastics either are time-consuming or do not provide the intended results. Therefore, an experiment was developed that provides simple and quick access polymers and plastics. With this experiment, school students can independently synthesize polylactic acid in chemistry lessons.

Keywords:
polycondensation polylactic acid plastics school experiment 3D printing circular economy

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