The core advantage of PLA series materials lies in their environmental protection characteristics throughout the life cycle and controllable physical properties, which makes them an ideal choice to replace traditional petroleum-based plastics. At the basic performance level, unmodified PLA has a tensile strength of 40-60MPa, an elongation at break of about 10-30%, and a heat distortion temperature between 55-60℃. After blending modification with materials such as PBAT and starch, or improvement with additives such as tougheners and nucleating agents, its performance can be precisely adjusted to adapt to different scenario requirements.

The packaging field is still the main application market for PLA series materials, and is moving towards high-end and functional upgrading from disposable packaging. In the food packaging field, films made of modified PLA have good barrier properties and transparency, and can be used in fresh-keeping boxes, takeaway food boxes and other products. They can be completely degraded in the natural environment within 6-24 months, solving the pollution problem of traditional plastic packaging. In the e-commerce logistics field, PLA buffer materials, relying on their lightweight and good impact resistance, are gradually replacing EPS foam. Their buffer performance per unit volume is increased by 20%, and they can be converted into organic fertilizers after degradation, realizing resource recycling.

The 3D printing field has become one of the fastest-growing application scenarios for PLA series materials. PLA wires developed specifically for 3D printing have excellent melt fluidity and molding stability. The wire diameter tolerance can be controlled within ±0.03mm, and the printing temperature range is 180-230℃, which is compatible with most FDM 3D printers. In fields such as architectural models, industrial prototypes, and educational teaching aids, PLA printed products not only have high molding precision and good surface finish, but also have less odor and low shrinkage rate (usually 0.1-0.5%) during printing, which are favored by the market. More notably, medical-grade absorbable PLA materials have been used in 3D printed bone repair scaffolds. Their biocompatibility can promote bone tissue regeneration, and they can be gradually degraded and absorbed in the body, avoiding the risk of secondary surgery for removal.

New progress has been made in the application exploration of the textile field. PLA fiber has physical properties similar to polyester, with a breaking strength of 3.5-4.5cN/dtex, and good moisture absorption, air permeability and UV resistance. PLA fabrics made by melt spinning process have soft hand feel and good drapability. When used in clothing, home textiles and other products, they are not only comfortable to wear, but also can be biodegraded under composting conditions after being discarded, breaking the environmental bottleneck of traditional chemical fiber fabrics.

In addition, in the agricultural field, PLA mulch films have been promoted due to their controllable degradation characteristics. Their degradation rate can be adjusted according to the crop growth cycle, avoiding soil compaction caused by traditional mulch film residues; in the electronic field, flame-retardant modified PLA materials have been used to manufacture small electronic component casings, taking into account environmental protection and safety. With the continuous advancement of modification technology, the application boundary of PLA series materials is constantly expanding.