Protective coatings and methods for forming them are disclosed wherein the coatings have increased abrasion, impact and scratch resistance as compared to known coatings. The coatings are made from environmentally friendly materials such as polylactic acid which can be derived from corn. The materials can be used to provide a protective coating on their substrate materials including especially wood for flooring and furniture. The coatings can have a hardness as measured on the Shore D Scale that can reach at least 75 to about 85 and enhanced resistance to abrasions, impact or scratches and can be used to coat flooring or furniture surfaces. The coatings can contain from about 1 to about 10 mass percent of triallyl isocyanurate with respect to polylactic acid.