Modification of Microbial Polyester by Blending with Cellulose Derivative Differential Scanning Calorimetric Analysis and Tensile Properties

Abstract

Attempts were made to modify the physical properties of biodegradable microbial polyester, poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), by blending with cellulose propionate (CP). The change of thermal and tensile properties was investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry and tensile measurement., respectively. It was revealed that Young's modulas and stress at break increased for as-cast blends. On the other hand, elongation at break and toughness increased for melt-quenched blends. The difference between their tensile properties was attributed to the depressed crystallization of PHB in the presence of CP during cooling from melt.