Crosslinking of poly[(3-hydroxybutyrate)-co-(3-hydroxyvalerate)] using dicumyl peroxide as initiator

Bin Fei, Cheng Chen, Shan Chen, Shuwen Peng, Yugang Zhuang, Yuxian An, Lisong Dong

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

68 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In order to modify poly [(3-hydroxybutyrate)-co-(3-hydroxyvalerate)] (PHBV), the crosslinking of this copolymer was carried out at 160°C using dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as the initiator. The torque of the PHBV melt showed an abrupt upturn when DCP was added. Appropriate values for the gel fraction and crosslink density were obtained when the DCP content was up to 1 wt% of the PHBV. According to the NMR spectroscopic data, the location of the free radical reaction was determined to be at the tertiary carbons in the PHBV chains. The melting point, crystallization temperature and crystallinity of PHBV decreased significantly with increasing DCP content. The effect of crosslinking on the melt viscosity of PHBV was confirmed as being positive. Moreover, the mechanical properties of PHBV were improved by curing with DCP. When 1 wt% DCP was used, the ultimate elongation of PHBV increased from 4 to 11 %. A preliminary biodegradation study confirmed the total biodegradability of crosslinked PHBV.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)937-943
Number of pages7
JournalPolymer International
Volume53
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Biodegradation
  • Crosslinking
  • Initiator
  • Mechanical properties
  • Poly[(3-hydroxybutyrate)-co-(3-hydroxyvalerate)]

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Polymers and Plastics

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