Effect of partial crosslinking on morphology and properties of the poly(β-hydroxybutyrate)/poly(d,l-lactic acid) blends

Poly(β-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a bio-based and biodegradable aliphatic polyester, however its application is limited by some disadvantages such as high price, brittleness, poor processability and low melt-strength due to serious thermal degradation. Partial crosslinking initiated by dicumyl peroxide (DCP) was applied in this work to improve the performance of poly(β-hydroxybutyrate)/poly(d,l-lactic acid) (PHB/PDLLA) blends. The partial crosslinking of the blends and its effect on the properties, morphology, rheology and thermal behavior of the blends were investigated. The tensile strength and impact toughness of the PHB were increased by incorporation of the PDLLA, which were improved further after the partial crosslinking because of an increased compatibility between the PHB and the PDLLA phases. The rheological study revealed that the storage modulus (G′) and complex viscosity (η*) of the blends were increased after addition of the DCP. On the other hand, the crystallization of PHB in the blends was restricted to a certain extent by the formation of partially crosslinked network while its crystal form was not modified.