Polylactide or Polylactic Acid is a Bio-Polyester derived from renewable sources such as corn and sugar cane. It is used in a wide range of commercial and bio-medical applications. PLA is typically dissolved in HFIPA, Chloroform or THF depending on the degree of crystallinity. The samples described in this report are low d materials and can be dissolved in Chloroform. The purpose of the analysis is to determine the loss of Molecular Weight, hence Intrinsic Viscosity from processing. The samples were analyzed using an HMJ Y501 Dual Capillary Relative Viscometer (DSV) system. The analysis conditions are listed below.

Solvent	60/40, Phenol/Tetrachloroethane
Sample Concentration	1 g/dL
Prep Temperature	25C
Dissolution Time	60 Minutes
Analysis Temperature	30C

The data summary clearly shows that the Processed PLA is lower in IV compared to the Virgin sample. RSD of DSV data is typically less than 1% and the following data supports that claim.

Samples	IV (dL/g)		Sample	IV (dL/g)
Virgin 1A	4.0641		Processed 1A	3.4034
Virgin 1B	4.0540		Processed 1B	3.4062
Virgin 2A	4.0155		Processed 2A	3.4099
Virgin 2B	4.0062		Processed 2B	3.4066
Average	4.0350		Average	3.4065
SD	0.0284		SD	0.0027
RSD	0.70%		RSD	0.08%

In addition to the precision of the data demonstrated above, the relative viscometer presents an easy opportunity to automate a particularly laborious task. Automation can range from a simple autosampler system to fully automated Vortex operation.