Rosin natural terpenes as processing aid for polyhydroxyalkanoate: Thermal, mechanical, and viscoelastic properties

Rosin natural terpene (Dertoline) is compounded with a bacterial thermoplastic polyesters polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), specifically here poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), biodegradable and biocompatible polymer. The compatibility of the blend examined differential scanning calorimetry thermal gravimetry analysis. In range concentration Dertoline, from 5 to 15 wt%, cold crystallization peak first shifts slightly higher then lower temperature. Dynamical mechanical analysis tensile tests confirm that addition Dertoline decreases elastic modulus. degree crystallinity again increases content Dertoline. Polarized light microscopy reveals smaller diameter spherulites for PHB/Dertoline blends their presence discussed in relation tests. Overall, has limited effects on properties blends: stress at break strain break. addition, oscillatory rheology different temperatures provides activation energies parameters generalized Maxwell model. temperature dependence rheological follows an Arrhenius form. Finally, transient step viscosity measurements are used order quantify PHB degradation.