Preparation and characterization of bio-nanocomposites based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) and CoAl layered double hydroxide using melt intercalation

In this study, the exfoliated bio-nanocomposites based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3,4)HB) and cobalt-aluminum layered double hydroxide (LDH) were prepared via melt intercalation. The thermal stability, thermal combustion and thermo-mechanical properties for these bio-nanocomposites were systematically investigated. The formation of an exfoliated structure was confirmed by X-ray diffractometry and transmission electron microscopy analysis. The microscale combustion calorimetry results show that the heat release capacity (HRC) of the bio-nanocomposites is an important parameter of the fire hazard which is significantly reduced with the addition of LDH. The storage modulus of the bio-nanocomposites with small amount of LDH is remarkably enhanced measured by dynamic mechanical analysis. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.