High Performance Compostable Biocomposites Based on Bacterial Polyesters Suitable For Injection Molding and Blow Extrusion

This work deals with the design, preparation and characterization of composites based on Poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-(R)-3-hydroxyvalerate] and lignocellulosic filler suitable for the production of compostable and biodegradable biocomposites that mimic the thermo-mechanical and processing characteristics commonly found in those polymeric materials specially designed for injection molding and blow extrusion. The best formulation in terms of processability, thermo-mechanical properties and biodegradation behavior under mature compost conditions was the biocomposite that contained 42.8 % by wt. of Poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-(R)-3-hydroxyvalerate] as the major component, 5 % by wt. of lignocellulosic filler, 10 % by wt. of tributyl citrate plasticizer, 30 % by wt. of Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate), 10 % by wt. of Poly(vinyl acetate), 0.2 % by wt. of Joncryl ADR-4368C a chain extender, 1 % by wt. of a primary antioxidant mix, and 1 % by wt. of nucleating agents.