Сurrent state of the art in polylactide polymer water emulsions development

The current trend towards green and sustainable development has prompted researchers and scientists to devote more and more of their time to studying and improving potential biopolymers as alternatives to traditional polymers. While renewable resource-based polymers are already widely used in medicine and packaging, they still need further research to meet certain requirements on par with conventional polymers for a wider range of applications. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) emulsions have gained significant attention in the coatings industry due to their biodegradability, sustainability, and potential to replace conventional solvent-based systems and fossil-based polymers. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent research and advancements in PLA emulsion preparation, focusing on fundamental properties of the emulsions, different synthesis methods, including solvent evaporation, emulsification-solvent diffusion, and high-pressure homogenization. The role of stabilizers and solvents in ensuring emulsion stability and performance is analyzed, and their ability to influence the final coating properties are analyzed. Widely used surfactants and bio-based stabilizers are highlighted. Despite their advantages, PLA emulsions face key challenges such as hydrophobicity, phase separation, and limited mechanical properties, which hinder their broader industrial application. This review identifies these challenges and explores potential solutions, including the use of nanotechnology, bio-based stabilizers, and optimized processing techniques. Additionally, strategies for improving scalability, reducing the environmental impact of PLA emulsions and promising applications are discussed. By addressing these limitations, PLA-based coatings could become a viable alternative in the development of sustainable materials. The current literature remains largely fragmented, and this review aims to synthesize existing findings into a structured, comparative analysis. In doing so, it lays the groundwork for future research and innovation in the field of environmentally friendly coating technologies.