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The effect of hyperbranched polymers on processing and thermal stability of biodegradable polyesters
Author(s) -
Shaked Yanir,
Dodiuk Hanna,
Kenig Samuel,
McCarthy Stephen
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
polymer engineering and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.503
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1548-2634
pISSN - 0032-3888
DOI - 10.1002/pen.21266
Subject(s) - materials science , polyester , crystallinity , polymer , biodegradable polymer , thermal stability , crystallization , chemical engineering , rheology , polymer chemistry , thermoplastic , polymer science , composite material , engineering
Nanomodification of poly‐hydroxy‐butyrate (PHB), with hyperbranched polymers (HBP), was studied. Solid‐hyperbranched polyesters of different generations were incorporated into a biobased and biodegradable, thermoplastic, polyester. Thermal, rheological, and molecular weight measurements had indicated that due to the interactions between the hydroxyl groups and the polar esters in PHB, the rate of recrystallization was significantly increased. Furthermore, the degree of crystallinity and nonisothermal crystallization temperature were also increased. Molecular weight measurements did not indicate a reduction or retention when HBPs were incorporated. These results are of great significance for the processing of biodegradable polymers and specifically for PHB, where improved processability and enhanced crystallization are of importance. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers