Poly(lactic acid), a bio‐degradable polymer, has been studied extensively during the past 15 years. This paper presents a review on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with focus on its stereochemistry, synthesis via ring‐opening polymerization, reaction kinetics and thermodynamics, synthesis of low molecular weight polymer, a continuous process for production of PLA from lactic acid, and blends. The different polymerization mechanisms, which have been proposed in the literature, are also summarized. Various catalyst systems, solvents, and reaction temperature and time give products of an entire range of molecular weights, ranging from a few thousand to over a million. Modeling and simulation of the ring‐opening polymerization of PLA is also discussed.

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) has been synthesized catalytically under vacuum by microwave (MW) irradiation using stannous octoate (SnOct₂) as catalyst. The polymerization is carried out at 180^○C up to 30 min. PLA with a molar mass of 10⁴ g.mol⁻¹ and a yield over 97% was produced in 20 min by the ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide using (SnOct₂) as catalyst under microwave irradiation with a power level of 180 W. The structural investigations are done by NMR and FTIR. The average molar mass of PLA is determined by means of size exclusion chromatography, (SEC). The characterization is done using three different columns. The polymerization rate is much faster with microwave heating than conventional heating. Microwave irradiation gives rapid energy transfer and high-energy efficiency, hence, a faster reaction rate.

Solar power is gaining importance in the light of discussion about climate change and renewable energy sources. In most parts of India, clear sunny weather is experienced 250–300 days in a year. The annual global radiation varies from 1600 to 2200 kWh/m², which is comparable with radiation received in the tropical and subtropical regions. This paper runs simulation scenarios for various sites in India for technical and financial viability of solar power generation with photo voltaic (PV) technology. Solar radiation data are accessed from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) website, and other meteorological parameters are collected from Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The data are fed into RETScreen model to run various simulation scenarios. Feasibility of sites in India to build a 5-MW PV-grid connected power plant from techno-economical and environmental points of view are discussed. A model is run for 31 major sites in India to measure the viability of Solar PV plants at these sites. Financial incentives announced in national solar mission of India have been used as an input to the model. Viability indicators like internal rate of return (IRR), net present value (NPV), cost of electricity (CoE), benefit–cost (B–C) ratio are identified on the basis of the model. A comparison of results is done and the best sites in India are reported.