PHB Processability and Property Improvement with Linear-Chain Polyester Oligomers Used as Plasticizers

In 2021, global petroleum-based plastic production reached over 400 million metric tons (Mt), and the accumulation of these non-biodegradable plastics in the environment is a worldwide concern. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) offers many advantages over traditional petroleum-based plastics, being biobased...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Polymers 2022-10, Vol.14 (19), p.4197
Main Authors: de Sousa Junior, Rogerio Ramos, dos Santos, Carlos Alberto Soares, Ito, Nathalie Minako, Suqueira, Airton Nizetti, Lackner, Maximilian, dos Santos, Demetrio Jackson
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biodegradability
Biodegradable materials
Biodegradation
Bioplastics
Carbon
Chains
Cyanobacteria
Elongation
Impact strength
Mechanical properties
Microorganisms
Modulus of elasticity
Molecular weight
Nitrates
Oligomers
Optical microscopy
Optical properties
Phthalates
Plasticizers
Plastics
Polyhydroxybutyrate
Polymers
Spectrum analysis
Tensile strength
Thermal degradation
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Summary:In 2021, global petroleum-based plastic production reached over 400 million metric tons (Mt), and the accumulation of these non-biodegradable plastics in the environment is a worldwide concern. Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) offers many advantages over traditional petroleum-based plastics, being biobased, completely biodegradable, and non-toxic. However, its production and use are still challenging due to its low deformation capacity and narrow processing window. In this work, two linear-chain polyester oligomers were used as plasticizers to improve the processability and properties of PHB. Thermal analyses, XRD, and polarized optical microscopy were performed to evaluate the plasticizing effect on the PHB and the reflection on the mechanical behavior. Both oligomers acted as PHB plasticizers, with a reduction in Tg and Tm as a function of the plasticizer concentration, which can make it easier to handle the material in thermal processing and reduce the probability of thermal degradation. Plasticizer 2 proved to be the most promising between the two with an optimized condition of 20%, in which there was a decrease in elastic modulus of up to 72% and an increase in the maximum elongation of 467%.
ISSN:2073-4360
2073-4360
DOI:10.3390/polym14194197