Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer that provides the same strength and formability as general-purpose petroleum-derived plastic. It began attracting attention around 1995, and is now widely known as an environmentally friendly polymer. The main ingredient of PLA is lactic acid, which is produced by using lactic acid bacteria to ferment starch obtained from plants. Starch can be obtained through photosynthesis, so this carbon neutral material can be produced without increasing the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere (excluding energy using during manufacturing processes), throughout the entire life cycle from manufacturing to disposal and decomposition.
Unlike other biodegradable polymers, PLA is highly transparent and its light transmittance is comparable to that of acrylic (93%). PLA is used in many familiar products, including the packaging used for eggs and tomatoes sold in supermarkets. Although PLA is generally well-known for being a plant-derived polymer that is both environmentally friendly and economical, 萝莉影视 was more interested in its piezoelectric performance.