Effect of two different plasticizers on the properties of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) binary and ternary blends

Abstract

Plasticized poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) films were obtained by solvent casting. The effects of two different additives on several properties of PHB have been examined, utilizing tributyrin and poly[di(ethyleneglycol) adipate] (A). Based on changes in the glass transition temperature (T g ) and cold crystallization temperature of host PHB, the two components are miscible with PHB and they can act as plasticizers. Binary and ternary blends were obtained by adding both plasticizers separately or together, respectively. The effect of plasticizer addition on the optical transparency, water vapor permeability, and tensile properties of the films was studied. It was found that the blends remain transparent and water vapor permeability was maintained constant until a 20 wt % of plasticizer content. Plasticizing effect was corroborated and it depended on the plasticizer percentage. Binary blends had an increased plasticity, in concordance with T g diminution of PHB. Although ternary blends presented T g diminution, mechanical properties were not improved probaby due to strong interactions between plasticizers. Finally, binary and ternary blends presented enhanced properties, causing an increment on processability. A correct knowledge between the formulation of the film and the role played by each component could allow getting custom films.

Enhancement of paperboard performance as packaging material by layering with plasticized polyhydroxybutyrate/nanocellulose coatings

“…This behavior can be related with the reduction of PHB viscosity with the addition of TB, which causes greater penetration of the film in the paperboard, consequently increasing the peeling strength/displacement values prior to PHB film rupture. Rheological behavior of PHB and PHB/TB blends was investigated in a previous work, verifying the enhancement of PHB processability with the addition of plasticizers . This plasticizing effect was also evident during the manufacturing of these samples, as they required lower pressure values during the compression (Table ) to achieve the formation of a continuous layer of plasticized PHB on the paperboard.…”

“…Rheological behavior of PHB and PHB/TB blends was investigated in a previous work, verifying the enhancement of PHB processability with the addition of plasticizers. 36 This plasticizing effect was also evident during the manufacturing of these samples, as they required lower pressure values during the compression (Table I) to achieve the formation of a continuous layer of plasticized PHB on the paperboard. This represents an additional advantage for processing as it leads to lower energy consumption.…”

Selected Fatty Acids Esters as Potential PHB-V Bioplasticizers: Effect on Mechanical Properties of the Polymer

“…A simple and inexpensive method for improving some mechanical properties of polymers is their blending with additives. In order to overcome the mechanical drawbacks in some PHB and PHB-V properties, various types of additives have been tested, mainly fillers [11], nucleating agents [12] and plasticisers [13]. The addition of plasticizers should improve the polymer mechanical performance (ductility, elongation at break) and its processability (lowering glass transition temperature and allowing the processing at lower temperature).…”

“…Several scientific studies report the potential to improve the mechanical and thermal PHB properties by adding petrochemical based plasticizers by adding petrochemical based plasticizers e.g. dioctyl adipate, dioctyl phthalate, dibuthyl phalate, polyadipate, poly[di(ethylene glycol)], tri(ethylene glycol), bis (2-ethylhexanoate) [3,[13][14][15] but also selected bio-based plasticizers. In this paper we would like to focus on bio-based plasticizers dedicated for PHA.…”

Biomass conversion and upgrading over carbon catalyst

“…Fumaric acid can be used as secondary intermediates to produce tetrahydrofuran (THF), 1,4-butanediol, or γ-butyrolactone. Those tertiary intermediates can later be used as plasticisers, and serve as intermediates towards the application in food packaging, beverage bottles or beverage cans coating in food supply industry [163].…”