Biodegradable Poly (3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-3-Hydroxyvalerate, PHBV) Biocomposites Reinforced with Different Particles with Improved Properties

Abstract

This study was conducted to understand the effects of the different particles attributes on the properties of biocomposite. For this purpose, poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) biocomposites were prepared with incorporating various percentages of calcite, vaterite and zinc oxide using by melt extrusion method. The properties of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) biocomposites were investigated by DSC and DMA. The melting and cold crystallization temperature shifted slightly to a lower temperature in the presence of all particles. Test results showed that the storage modulus of the biopolymer composites generally increased with the addition of particles in the composites over a wide range of temperature (-30 to 150 °C) where the reinforcing effect of all particles was confirmed. The calcite and vaterite led to more increase in the storage modulus, while less increase in storage modulus was observed in the presence of zinc oxide particles. The results regarding DSC and DMA imparted by composites to neat PHBV indicate that for achieving high mechanical performance in PHBV polymer, the focus needs to be on good dispersion of the particles in the polymer matrix.