Study of Mechanical and Thermal Properties of the Polymer Poly-3-Hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and PHB/Wood Flour Composites

PHB (Polyhydroxybutyrate) is a biodegradable thermoplastic synthesized by submerse fermentation of renewable raw materials. The use of natural fibers has been largely researched to improve PHB properties, as well as reducing its cost. The purpose of this work was the study of the mechanical, thermal properties and rheological analyses (torque in mixer camera and melt flow index) of processed and irradiated PHB, as well as PHB/wood flour composites. PHB/wood flour composites were prepared with PHB/wood relation of 90/10, 80/20 and 70/30 (w/w). Both pure PHB and composites were processed through the following steps: calendering, milling, extrusion, second milling, drying and injection molding to make test specimens. Mechanical properties (strength resistance) and thermo analyses (Thermogravimetric Analysis, TGA and Differential Scanning Calorimeter, DSC) tests were carried out. The introduction of the wood flour increased both polymer crystallinity and crystallization temperature. The material stiffness increased in PHB/wood flour composites (80/20 and 70/30). The irradiation after processing in 30 kGy doses led to increased stiffness of pure PHB and PHB/wood flour composites (90/10 and 80/20) while other properties have decreased. The PHB/wood flour composite 70/30 showed the best results in terms of economy and processing.