Preparation, Characterization and Processing of PCL/PHO Blends by 3D Bioplotting

Blends of polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(3-hydroxyoctanoate) P(3HO) were prepared by melt compounding. These immiscible blends exhibited droplet-matrix morphology at compositions up to 30 wt% P(3HO). Even though the addition of amorphous P(3HO) decreased the crystallinity of PCL, the crystallization temperature of the blends increased by 6 to 7 8C. Blends containing up to 30 wt% P(3HO) had higher crystallization rates, and lower crystallization half-times compared to neat PCL. The viscosity of PCL decreased upon addition of P(3HO), making the blends suitable for processing using a 3D bioplotter. Compositions with 10 to 30 wt% P(3HO) were ideal for processing, because of their improved crystallization kinetics, reduced stickiness and good flow properties. Estimation of the interfacial tension by fitting the Palierne model to the linear viscoelastic properties of the blends revealed good compatibility, which gave rise to synergistic effects in the thermal and mechanical properties. The fibres prepared by 3D bioplotting maintained droplet matrix morphology, with finer particle size than the original compounded material. In addition to favourable viscosity and thermal properties, the extruded fibres containing 30 wt% P(3HO) had comparable modulus to the neat PCL, while exhibiting good ductility. These blends may be suitable alternatives to PCL for biomedical applications, because they provide a range of crystallinities, crystallization rates and viscosities.

Polyamide 11/Poly(butylene succinate) Bio-Based Polymer Blends

The manuscript details the preparation and characterization of binary blends of polyamide 11 (PA 11) and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), with PA 11 as the major component. The blends are fully bio-based, since both components are produced from renewable resources. In addition, PBS is also biodegradable and compostable, contrarily to PA 11. In the analyzed composition range (up to 40 m% PBS), the two polymers are not miscible, and the blends display two separate glass transitions. The PA 11/PBS blends exhibit a droplet-matrix morphology, with uniform dispersion within the matrix, and some interfacial adhesion between the matrix and the dispersed droplets. Infrared spectroscopy indicates the possible interaction between the hydrogens of the amide groups of PA 11 chains and the carbonyl groups of PBS, which provides the compatibilization of the components. The analyzed blends show mechanical properties that are comparable to neat PA 11, with the benefit of reduced material costs attained by addition of biodegradable PBS.

The Effect of Poly(Butylene Adipate-co-Terephthalate) on Crystallization Behavior and Morphology of Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-3-Hydroxyvalerate)

The effects of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) on crystallization behavior and morphology of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) were studied to provide the useful information to control and improve PHBV processing. PHBV were blended with 15, 30 and 50 wt% PBAT by twin screw extrusion and these were subsequently compared to unblended PHBV. The rate of crystal development determined from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at 120 °C showed that the incorporation of PBAT retarded the crystal growth rate. Moreover, the crystal structure of polymer blends was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the results revealed that PBAT did not affect the crystal structure of PHBV. The responses of the melt-crystallized PHBV to different quantities of PBAT were recorded by polarized optical microscopy (POM). The results demonstrated that the size of spherulite dramatically increased when 15 wt% PBAT was added and the shape of spherulite was imperfect when PBAT reached 30 wt%. The morphologies of PHBV and its blends on the freeze-fractured specimens were exposed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM images revealed the phase separation of PHBV/ PBAT blends in any composition. The morphology of 15 and 30 wt% PBAT presented droplet in matrix morphology and changed to co-continuous morphology at 50 wt% PBAT.