Polyglycolic acid (PGA)
Properties and Applications
Polyglycolic acid (PGA) is a biodegradable, semi-crystalline thermoplastic. It is also the simplest linear, aliphatic polyester. PGA resins are known for their excellent gas barrier properties, relative high strength, and excellent biodegradability. Some grades have a biodegradation rate similar to cellulose and decompose under composting conditions into CO2 and water within one month.
PGA and its copolymers such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid),
and poly(glycolide-co-caprolactone) are used in a number of applications. Due to PGA's very
low permeability to O2 and CO2, it can be used
as a packaging film for oxygen sensitive products, for example as an
interlayer between two polyester films. Other important applications include shale gas extraction and other industrial
processes as well as synthetic fast absorbable sutures for internal surgeries.