Synthesis and biodegradation of polymer blends of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and natural rubber

Abstract Microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as an ideal choice of biomaterial for specific applications. In this study, PHA was synthesized and purified from Pseudomonas mendocina PSU. These obtained then determined its monomer composition found that 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB) a major component, in addition, the molecular weight were also investigated. The average Mw 8.39 ×10 4 when grown MSM supplemented with glycerol whereas melting temperature 172 °C. To improve mechanical biodegradation properties PHB, blending suitable well defined polymers such natural rubbers (NR) has been performed by poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) [(PHB)] epoxidized rubber (ENR) using two different methods e.g. solvent ratio PHB to ENR 70:30. polymer blends further investigated their soil burial test rubber-degrading consortium. results clearly showed test, most rapid P. PSU which reached 34.10%weight loss bacteria, interestingly highest percentages about 13% PHB-ENR blend films melt followed blending, NR, ENR, respectively. physical changes all tested samples observed.