Outline
PLA foam and its cost-effective production method, resulting in a unique, lentil-like foam structure with special properties (up to 50% reversible deformation rate, adjustable compressive modulus in a 0,1–5 MPa range, piezoelectric charge). Due to the biodegradability of PLA, the foam may be suitable as a vibration damping or energy storage component for disposable devices and thus the metal spring can be replaced by a biopolymer unit. Its biocompatibility makes the foam fit for hi-tech medical applications (artificial muscle or skin, controlled drug release). The piezoelectric charge paired with biodegradability renders it an ideal candidate for manufacturing transducers as well.