Effects of zinc oxide on thermal, mechanical, morphological, and gas barrier properties of polybutylene succinate/ poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) films

Abstract

Currently, conventional polymers from petrochemical processes have low biodegradability and remain in the environment for several hundred years. This has negative effects on the environment. This research aims to improve the properties of biopolymers such as poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB4HB). P3HB4HB was selected to blend with PBS in with weight ratios of PBS:P3HB4HB was 90/10 and ZnO nanoparticles (0.5, 1 and 2%) was selected as a nucleating agent. The melt blending process using an internal mixer and molded into a film using a compression molding process. The chemical structures, morphological properties, thermal properties, dynamic mechanical properties, mechanical properties and gas barrier properties of all polymer blend films were evaluated. The results showed that ZnO nanoparticles improved the degree of crystallinity, mechanical, and gas barrier properties of PBS/P3HB4HB blend.