From Obtaining to Degradation of PHB:Material Properties. Part I

Abstract

This paper presents a review of the chemical, physical and morphological characteristics, as well as the existing applications and mechanisms forthe production of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate). This biopolymer, which isobtained from renewable sources, degrades when exposed in biologicallyactive environments and is biocompatible, that is, it is not rejected by thehuman body in health applications. However, in spite of presenting simi-lar properties with some conventional plastics, the PHB exhibits fragilebehavior and thermal instability when processed. The literature proposesthe use of blends, the development of copolymers or the insertion of addi-tives in an attempt to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of PHB.