Table 1.
Polylactic acid (PLA) ((C3H4O2)n) properties.
| Mechanical Properties | |
| Elastic (Young’s, Tensile) Modulus, GPa | 3.5 |
| Elongation at Break, % | 6 |
| Flexural Modulus, GPa | 4 |
| Flexural Strength, MPa | 80 |
| Tensile Strength: Ultimate (UTS), MPa | 50 |
| Molecular weight, Mn (g/mol) (103) | 4.7–16.8 |
| Thermal Properties | |
| Heat Deflection Temperature At 455 kPa (66 psi), °C | 65 |
| Density, g/cm3 | 1.3 |
| Common Calculations | |
| Stiffness to Weight: Axial, points | 1.6 |
| Stiffness to Weight: Bending, points | 40 |
| Strength to Weight: Axial, points | 11 |
| Strength to Weight: Bending, points | 24 |
Note: PLA formula: n shows the repeating pattern of polymer.