Optimum Processing Conditions for the Maximum Crystallization Rate of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)

Abstract

The effect of thermal and shear histories on the crystallization rate of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) was studied. As with other crystalline polymers, the shear history greatly affected the crystallization rate when the shear rate was beyond a critical value, i.e., the inverse of the Rouse relaxation time. Even after the formation of extended chain crystals, spherulite texture was clearly discernable. It grew from certain points on the extended chain crystals. Consequently, a row of spherulites appeared along the flow direction. The resin temperature in the molten state was also significant. When the sample was heated to 170°C, which is beyond the main melting peak in the differential scanning calorimetry curve, unmolten crystals did not affect the linear viscoelastic properties. They acted as effective nucleating agents for the rest of the polymer during cooling. Therefore, the shear history hardly affected the crystallization rate and the number of spherulites.