Influence of different sterilization processes on the properties of commercial poly(lactic acid)

Highlights

• PLA was subjected to five different sterilization process.

• All sterilization processes do not changed the hydrophilicity of PLA.

• Morphological, chemical, physical and thermal changes were observed for the PLA_SSS.

• The sterilization by saturated steam is not recommended to sterilize PLA.

Abstract

This study aims at analyzing the modifications in the morphological, physical, chemical and thermal properties of commercial poly(lactic acid) (PLA) films after exposure to five different sterilization processes. Films were obtained by compression molding, hygienized and sterilized by ethylene oxide (SEtO), hydrogen peroxide plasma (SH₂O₂), saturated steam (SSS), electron beam radiation (SEB) and gamma radiation (SGR). The samples of PLA_SEtO, PLA_SH2O2, PLA_SEB and PLA_SGR exhibited thermal and physical changes after being submitted to sterilization processes. PLA_SSS showed morphological, chemical, thermal and physical changes. It is concluded that processes by SEtO, SH₂O₂, SEB and EGR can be applied for the sterilization of PLA films and the SSS process is not recommended in view of the data obtained and test conditions reported in this study for PLA films.