RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

摘要

A green polymer could become even greener thanks to a process that eliminates the need for an environmentally damaging dyeing step.rnPoly-lactic acid is a polyester manufactured from molecules derived from plants. The dyeing process typically uses large volumes of water and strong alkali, and generates sulphur-contaminated waste water. Patrick McGowan at the University of Leeds, UK, and his colleagues use an aluminium-based catalyst that polymerizes lactic acid or lactides and also carries the dye molecule.