Non-Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics of Phb/Tio2Nanocomposites

Abstract

Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a very promising, completely biodegradable and biocompatible polymer, available from renewable sources. It has been used in a number of industrial applications, including packing, food containers, prosthesis, suture threads, devices for controlled drug release, containers for plant germination, blankets for pesticides release, etc. The crystallization and melting behavior of PHB has been studied with the objective to control its microstructure, since the physical properties of the polymer depend on the crystallization conditions during processing, and there is still much to be learned about the way it responds to thermal treatment [1-7].