Biodegradable Polymer Is Stronger and Longer Lasting

Polylactic acid, or PLA, is a biodegradable polymer commonly used to make a variety of products, from disposable cups to medical implants to drug-delivery systems. A team of Brown University researchers has shown that by treating PLA at various temperatures and pressures, they can induce a new polymer phase in the material that could possibly decrease the rate at which it degrades.