Flow-Induced Orientation in Miscible Crystalline Polymer Blends of Poly(vinylidene fluoride) and Poly[(3-hydroxybutyrate)-co-(3-hydroxyvalerate)

Abstract

Oriented films of miscible polymer blends of poly(vinylidene fluoride) and poly[(3-hydroxybutyrate)-co-(3-hydroxyvalerate)] were prepared using a flow-orientation technique. The lamellar structure and crystal orientation depended upon composition and flow temperature (T flow ). An interlamellar exclusion structure was induced in the blend flow-oriented below 150 °C, whereas an interlamellar inclusion structure was developed above 150°C. The crystal orientation of PHBHV was affected by the lamellar structures because the PHBHV chains crystallized in the pre-existing crystalline morphology of PVDF. Crystallization of PHBHV was markedly restricted at lower PHBHV contents.