Network formation of graphene oxide in poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) nanocomposites

Summary, in English

Polyhydroxy alkanoates (PHAs) are bio-based, biodegradable and sustainable polyesters that are produced naturally by different types of bacteria. Recently, interest in these materials has gained strongly to broaden their application range, by modifying their properties through blending and/or using nanofillers. In this contribution we will focus on the modification of Poly[3-hydroxybutyrate] (PHB) by graphene oxide (GO). Important thermal properties such as glass transition temperatures, melting temperatures, heat of fusion and thermal decomposition temperatures are reported. Melt rheology provided substantial information about structure formation of the nanoparticles in the bionanocomposites and their influence on the thermal stability of the polymer composites. Dielectric characterization gave additional information and allows sensitive determination of glass transition temperatures. Free volume characteristics such as main free volume hole size, combined with dynamic mechanical properties in the solid state gave information about the apparent aspect ratio and dispersion of the GO fillers in PHB.

• Author: Carlos Rodriguez Arza; Patric Jannasch; Frans Maurer
• Department/s: Centre for Analysis and Synthesis
• Publishing year: 2014
• Language: English
• Links: http://academic.sun.ac.za/POLYCHAR/MAURER.pdf
• Document type: Conference paper
• Topic: Chemical Sciences
• Conference name: Polychar 22 World Forum on Advanced Materials
• Conference date: 2014-04-07 - 2014-04-11
• Status: Published