Exploration of processing routes for polyhydroxyalkanoates and their ZnO nanocomposites

Abstract

Model systems Bulk Surface deposition Centrifugal fiber spinning top-layer films PHBHHx/ZnO fibers CFS 40 wt.% ZnO/PHBHHx 10 wt.% ZnO/PHBHHx Context Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) show great potential as packaging materials due to their bio-based and biodegradable nature. The copolymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) is very promising because of its flexibility and intermediate barrier properties. However, novel processing techniques and development of PHBHHx as active packaging material remain relatively unexplored. Adding zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) to the polymer matrix is a known approach to introduce functional properties, such as UV barrier and antimicrobial activity, but optimal dispersion of the nanoparticles remains precarious. Therefore, we aim to explore different processing routes of PHBHHx their ZnO nanocomposites in order to study the structure-property relationships. PHBHHx + ZnO PHA surfactant ZnO water chloroform ultrasonication solvent evaporation hybrid PHBHHx/ZnO particles post-processing: • melt-mixing • coating twin-screw extrusion compression molding injection molding microstructure nanocomposite films