Characteristics and biodegradation properties of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)/organophilic montmorillonite (PHBV/OMMT) nanocomposite

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)/organophilic montmorillonite (PHBV/OMMT) nanocomposites were prepared by solution intercalation method. The structure, thermal properties and crystallization behaviors of the nanocomposite were studied by means of X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry analysis, and polarizing optical microscopy. Its biodegradability was investigated by a degrading cultivation method in soil suspension. Experimental results showed that the nanocomposite's melting temperature and enthalpy of fusion (ΔHm) were decreased, small-sized PHBV spherulites were formed, crystallinity of PHBV reduced, and the range of the processing temperature enlarged with increasing amount of OMMT in the nanocomposite. The biodegradability of PHBV/OMMT nanocomposites in soil suspension also decreased with increasing amount of OMMT.