Thermal Properties of Poly(Lactic Acid) Modified Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-4-Hydroxbutyrate)

Abstract

The thermal properties of poly (lactic acid)[PLA] modified poly (3 –hydroxybutyrate –co-4 -hydroxbutyrate) [P(3HB-co-4HB)], prepared by melt blending with different blending ratios were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry [DSC], thermogravimetry [TGA], melt flow rate [MFR] and tensile test measurements, and scanning electron microscopy [SEM]. The DSC tests showed that the glass transition temperature, Tg, of P(3HB-co-4HB) increased from-7°C to 56°C when mixed with 50% to 67% of PLA. A decrease in crystallization temperature, Tc, of P(3HB-co-4HB) broadened the melting interval. The MFR tests indicated the blends had good flow properties and the variation of the PLA content had little effect on the flow properties. The tensile tests showed that PLA improved the mechanical properties of P(3HB-co-4HB), including the tensile strength and elongation at break. The blends had the best mechanical properties when the percentage of PLA was 64%.