Polylactic Acid: A Practical Guide for the Processing, Manufacturing, and Applications of PLA, Second Edition, provides a practical guide for engineers and scientists working in PLA and on the development of emerging new products. The current market situation for PLA and biodegradable polymers is described, along with applications across a range of market sectors. In addition, the mechanical, chemical, thermal, rheology and degradation properties are included. Updates include new chapters covering various processing methods, as well as recycling methods, and additives and processing aids. New applications cover a range of products (including 3D Printing), and an environmental assessment, including regulatory aspects. The book is not only a useful introduction to this topic, but also a practical, readily applicable reference book that will support decision-making in the plastics industry. Presents an essential reference for engineers, scientists and product designers considering switching to a sustainable plastic - Covers the properties, synthesis and polymerization of PLA, along with processing techniques involved in fabricating parts from this polymer - Includes critical new chapters on processing, additives, recycling and environmental considerations relating to PLA A comprehensive, practical guide on the synthesis, properties, processing, additives, applications and environmental aspects of polylactic acid Polylactic Acid (PLA) is the first viable thermoplastic that can be produced from a plant-based feedstock such as corn or sugar cane, and yet be processed by the conventional melt processing technologies. At the same time, Polylactic Acid is produced at the largest industrial scale of all biodegradable polymers, and is being used in a range of applications including packaging, biomedical, electronics, agriculture, and more. This book provides a practical guide for the engineers and scientists involved in working with PLA and developing the many new products that are emerging for this important biopolymer. The current market situation for PLA and biodegradable polymers is described as well as applications across a range of market sectors, and the mechanical, chemical, thermal, rheology, and degradation properties of PLA. In this new edition, all content has been reviewed and updated to reflect the substantial research and development that has been taking place in this area. Additionally, new chapters have been added to cover various processing methods for PLA, as well as recycling methods, and additives and processing aids. New applications have been added to cover the range of products that have been released since the prior edition came out (including 3D Printing), and a new chapter has also been added on environmental assessment of PLA, including regulatory aspects. The book is not only a useful introduction to this topic, but also a practical, readily applicable reference book to support decision making in the plastics industry. Lee Tin Sin is a researcher, professional engineer and associate professor. He graduated with Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical-Polymer) First Class Honours and Ph.D in Polymer Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Dr. Lee has been involved in rubber processing, biopolymer, nanocomposite and polymer synthesis with numerous publications of journal papers, book chapters and conferences. He was the recipient of the Society of Chemical Engineers Japan Award for Outstanding Asian Researcher and Engineer 2018 for his contribution on polymer research. He was also conferred Meritorious Service Medal (PJK) by the Sultan of Selangor State, Malaysia in year 2019. He co-authored ‘Polylactic Acid’ (Elsevier), the First and Second Editions which were published in 2012 and 2019, respectively. In 2023, he co-authored ‘Plastics and Sustainability’, also published by Elsevier. Bee Soo Tueen is a researcher, professional engineer and associate professor. She graduated with Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical-Polymer), Master of Engineering (Polymer Engineering), and Ph.D in Polymer Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Dr. Bee has published more than 70 journal papers on nanocomposites, flame retardant and biopolymer works. She co-authored ‘Polylactic Acid’ (Elsevier), the Second Edition of which was published in 2019. In 2023, she collaborated as a co-author on 'Plastics and Sustainability, also published by Elsevier.