Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)‐<i>co</i>‐(3‐hydroxyvalerate)/Poly‐<scp>L</scp>‐lactide blends: Thermal and mechanical properties

Abstract

Abstract Blends of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)–poly(3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly( L ‐lactides) (PLLA) have been prepared by solvent casting. Compatibility, thermal behavior, morphology, and mechanical properties of systems with various compositions were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical measurement, tensile tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and wide‐angle X ray (WAXS). Glass transition temperature of solvent cast materials, detected by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), showed partial molecular interactions between PHBV and PLLA. Crystallinity of the PLLA phase slightly decreased with increasing amount of PHBV, confirming the partial dispersion of PLLA in the PHBV phase. Mechanical properties were analyzed with theoretical models able to predict the behavior of heterogeneous systems. Phase separation was confirmed by SEM observations. © 1994 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Inc.