Optimization of Biodegradability of Poly(Lactic Acid) by Taguchi Method

This paper is to report that the initial-stage hydrolysis rate of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) has been increased so that it is useful for producing a larger hydrolysis rate of PLA in the nature. Experiments chosen according to L8 orthogonal array were carried out. Significant factors and the optimal conditions for hydrolysis of PLA were found by the analysis of variance and main effect analysis, respectively. Confirmed results indicate that the hydrolysis rates of PLA under optimal conditions fall in the 95% confidence interval, indicating the experiments are reproducible and reliable.