Polyhydroxybutyrate: a review of experimental and simulation studies of the effect of fillers on crystallinity and mechanical properties

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a sustainable polymer that promising candidate for replacing petroleum-based plastics in food packaging. Fillers are used to improve the mechanical properties of PHB composites, simultaneously changing crystallinity matrix. However, it not well understood how fillers affect crystallisation and microstructure, thus resulting composite. This review summarises simulation work on nucleation influenced by different types polymer–filler interfaces. Experimental studies composites with wide variety reviewed find trends between filler type, properties. It clear act as nucleants increase number spherulites while reducing spherulite size. behaviour apparent almost all regardless chemistry or topology. data obtained from literature do seem produce strong conclusions about effect degree tensile PHB–filler although there some weak indicate importance microstructure. In order enable prediction control composite properties, further systematic required elucidate specific connection crystallinity, microstructure © 2022 The Authors. Polymer International published John Wiley & Sons Ltd behalf Society Industrial Chemistry.