Comparative study on crystallization behaviour of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) nucleated with different nucleating agents - Crystallization, thermal, and mechanical properties

Abstract

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), a biodegradable thermoplastic, holds significant potential for sustainable applications. However, its inherent limitations, including poor crystallization behaviour, low thermal stability, and inadequate mechanical properties, hinder its widespread use. To address these challenges, we investigated the impact of nucleating agents, TMC-200 and TMC-300, on PHBV crystallization behaviour, thermal stability, and mechanical performance. Both TMC-200 and TMC-300 effectively nucleated PHBV, but their effects differed significantly due to their different chemical structures. TMC-200 promoted PHBV crystallization by increasing nucleation sites and ordering of crystalline regions. TMC-200, at 1 phr, increased PHBV crystallinity from 59 % to 64 % and enhanced the thermal stability, with T_5wt% rising from 271 °C to 286 °C and T_50 wt% increasing from 277 °C to 297 °C. TMC-300 interacted with PHBV through hydrogen bonding, restricting the mobility of polymer chains and slowing down the crystallization process. Both TMC-200 and TMC-300 enhanced the mechanical properties of PHBV. These differences in crystallization and properties highlight the distinct roles of these nucleating agents and provide valuable insights for optimizing PHBV-based materials for more sustainable and environmentally friendly applications.