https://doi.org/10.15255/CABEQ.2014.2259

Published: CABEQ 29 (2) (2015) 261-274
Paper type: Original Scientific Paper

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High Performance Compostable Biocomposites Based on Bacterial Polyesters Suitable For Injection Molding and Blow Extrusion

L. PĂ©rez Amaro, H. Chen, A. Barghini, A. Corti and E. Chiellini

Abstract
This work deals with the design, preparation and characterization of composites based on Poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-(R)-3-hydroxyvalerate] and lignocellulosic filler suitable for the production of compostable and biodegradable biocomposites that mimic the thermo-mechanical and processing characteristics commonly found in those polymeric materials specially designed for injection molding and blow extrusion. The best formulation in terms of processability, thermo-mechanical properties and biodegradation behavior under mature compost conditions was the biocomposite that contained 42.8 % by wt. of Poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-(R)-3-hydroxyvalerate] as the major component, 5 % by wt. of lignocellulosic filler, 10 % by wt. of tributyl citrate plasticizer, 30 % by wt. of Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), 10 % by wt. of Poly(vinyl acetate), 0.2 % by wt. of Joncryl ADR-4368C a chain extender, 1 % by wt. of a primary antioxidant mix, and 1 % by wt. of nucleating agents.


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Keywords
biocomposites, Poly(hydroxyalkanoate) (PHAs), processing, injection molding, biodegradation, chain extenders