Journal
POLYMER INTERNATIONAL
Volume 53, Issue 7, Pages 937-943Publisher
WILEY
DOI: 10.1002/pi.1477
Keywords
poly [(3-hydroxybutyrate)-co-(3-hydroxyvalerate)]; crosslinking; initiator; mechanical properties; biodegradation
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
In order to modify poly [(3-hydroxybutyrate)-co-(3-hydroxyvalerate)] (PHBV), the crosslinking of this copolymer was carried out at 160degreesC using dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as the initiator. The torque of the PHBV melt showed an abrupt upturn when DCP was added. Appropriate values for the gel fraction and crosslink density were obtained when the DCP content was up to 1 wt% of the PHBV. According to the NMR spectroscopic data, the location of the free radical reaction was determined to be at the tertiary carbons in the PHBV chains. The melting point, crystallization temperature and crystallinity of PHBV decreased significantly with increasing DCP content. The effect of crosslinking on the melt viscosity of PHBV was confirmed as being positive. Moreover, the mechanical properties of PHBV were improved by curing with DCP. When 1 wt% DCP was used, the ultimate elongation of PHBV increased from 4 to 11 %. A preliminary biodegradation study confirmed the total biodegradability of crosslinked PHBV. (C) 2004 Society of Chemical Industry.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available