title: Phase morphology, physical properties, and biodegradation behavior of novel PLA/PHBHHx blends.
abstract: In this study, two biodegradable polyesters [i.e., polylactic acid (PLA) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx)] with complementarity in terms of mechanical performance have been combined, and a series of blends with a broad range of compositions has been prepared by thermal compounding. The evolution of phase morphologies with the variation of compositions has been characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic imaging together with scanning electron microscope analyses. Thermal, mechanical, and biodegradation properties of the PLA/PHBHHx blends were systematically investigated. Mechanical properties were further analyzed by using theoretical models and correlated with the results of the morphology/structure and compatibility of the blends. Results indicate that PLA/PHBHHx blends are immiscible but can be compatible to some extent at certain compositions (e.g., PLA/PHBHHx (w/w) = 80/20 and 20/80). The physical properties of the blend could be fine tuned by adjusting the blend composition.
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Nankai University, Tianjin, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Qiang
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Shufang
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Meimei
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kong
authors.forename: Weitao
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Geng
authors.forename: Robert K Y
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Cunjiang
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Song
authors.forename: Deling
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kong
mesh_terms: D020155:3-Hydroxybutyric Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D002208:Caproates / Q000737:chemistry*; D005583:Fourier Analysis; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D008422:Materials Testing; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D000094122:Polyhydroxybutyrates
chemical_list: D020155:3-Hydroxybutyric Acid; D002208:Caproates; D019344:Lactic Acid; D011091:Polyesters; D011108:Polymers; C115940:poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate); D000094122:Polyhydroxybutyrates; C033616:poly(lactide)