Abstract
The thermal degradation of the biodegradable bacterial polyesters poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), PHB, poly(3-hydroxyvalerate), PHV, and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), 0-21 mol % of hydroxyvalerate, was studied. At moderately low temperatures (170-200 degrees C), the main product is a well-defined oligomer, especially a 500-10,000 g/mol macromolecule, which contains one unsaturated end group, predominantly a trans-alkenyl end group, as well as a carboxylic end group. The process was studied regarding the effect of the copolymer composition and reaction time at 190 degrees C. During the first few hours of reaction, the thermal degradation of PHB and PHV followed a kinetic model of random scission, but eventually auto-acceleration of the pyrolysis was detected, probably due to the influence of the crotonate end groups of the oligomers formed. Ten-time scale-up experiments on a Brabender instrument were successfully undertaken.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
