Crystallization in PHB/DGEBA blends

Abstract

Real-time experiments using small-angle X-ray scattering and differential scanning calorimetry on blends of the semicrystalline polyester poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and amorphous monomer epoxy DGEBA (diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A) were performed. Differences in the processes of melting and recrystallization were observed in blends relative to pure PHB. The results obtained in this study indicated that re-crystallization is more important in blends with 50% DGEBA than in pure PHB. Moreover, segregation toward the interfibrillar region would facilitate re-crystallization.