Synchronous and separate homo-crystallization of an enantiomeric oligomeric poly(l-3-hydroxybutanoic acid)/poly(d-3-hydroxybutanoic acid) blend

Abstract

Poly(l-3-hydroxybutanoic acid) [P(l-3HB)] and poly(d-3-hydroxybutanoic acid) [P(d-3HB)] in their equimolar blend crystallized synchronously and separately into each homo-crystallites but not stereocomplex crystallites. In the case of the blend, the orientation and periodical rotation of lamellae in the spherulites disappeared at a relatively low crystallization temperature (Tc); the nucleation for the spherulite growth was prolonged, and the size of homo-crystallites and the radial growth rate of spherulites were decreased, owing to the synchronous and separate homo-crystallization and the coexistence of P(l-3HB) and P(d-3HB) homo-crystallites in spherulites.