Miscibility of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) with high molecular weight poly(lactic acid) blends determined by thermal analysis

An important strategy used in the polymer industry in recent years is blending two bio-based polymers to attain desirable properties similar to traditional thermoplastics, thus increasing the application potential for bio-based and bio-degradable polymers. Miscibility of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) with poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA) were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Three different grades of commercially available PLAs and one type of PHBV were blended in different ratios of 50/50, 60/40, 70/30, and 80/20 (PHBV/PLA) using a micro-compounder at 175 degrees C. The DSC and TGA analysis showed the blends were immiscible due to different stereo configuration of PLA polymer and two distinct melting temperatures. However, some compatibility between PHBV and PLA polymers was observed due to decreases in PLA's glass transition temperatures. Additionally, the blends do not show clear separation by SEM analysis, as observed in the thermal analysis. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012