Thermal processing influence on mechanical, thermal, and biodegradation behavior in poly(β-hydroxybutyrate)/poly(ε-caprolactone) blends: A descriptive model

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 133; no. 27; pp. np - n/a
• Main Authors: Vergara-Porras, Berenice, Gracida-Rodríguez, Jorge Noel, Pérez-Guevara, Fermín
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Blackwell Publishing Ltd 15.07.2016; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Bacteria; biodegradable; Biodegradation; Blends; Controllers; Cooling; Materials science; Mathematical models; molding; phase behavior; Polyhydroxybutyrate; Polymers; Programmable logic devices; properties and characterization
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.43569

ABSTRACT Poly(β‐hydroxybutyrate) [PHB] is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer produced by some bacteria genders. To improve mechanical properties, PHB has been blended with other polymers. Compression‐molded blends of PHB and poly(ε‐caprolactone) [PCL] (70/30 mass ratio) were cooled to room temperature following five different thermal treatments after molding at 180 °C. Blends processed with higher cooling rates were easier to biodegrade, nevertheless elongation at break and tensile strength decreased. Slower cooling kinetics and isothermal treatments increased perfection of crystals, as seen in differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction and spherulites size. A descriptive model is proposed herein where thermal, biodegradation, tensile properties, and crystal features were related to cooling kinetics applied. It is proposed that properties of 70/30 (PHB/PCL) blends can be predetermined by an adequate control of thermal conditions during processing. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43569.