Influence of different sterilization processes on the properties of commercial poly(lactic acid).

This study aims at analyzing the modifications in the morphological, physical, chemical and thermal properties of commercial poly(lactic acid) (PLA) films after exposure to five different sterilization processes. Films were obtained by compression molding, hygienized and sterilized by ethylene oxide (SEtO), hydrogen peroxide plasma (SH2O2), saturated steam (SSS), electron beam radiation (SEB) and gamma radiation (SGR). The samples of PLASEtO, PLASH2O2, PLASEB and PLASGR exhibited thermal and physical changes after being submitted to sterilization processes. PLASSS showed morphological, chemical, thermal and physical changes. It is concluded that processes by SEtO, SH2O2, SEB and EGR can be applied for the sterilization of PLA films and the SSS process is not recommended in view of the data obtained and test conditions reported in this study for PLA films.