Thermo‐Mechanical and Morphological Characterization of Plasticized Poly[(R)‐3‐hydroxybutyric acid]

Blends of poly[(R)3‐hydroxybutyryric acid) (PHB) with different plasticizers were investigated by TGA, DSC, OM and mechanical testing. Markedly hydrophilic plasticizers promote PHB thermal‐degradation through a light alcoholysis reaction. All the used plasticizers were compatible with PHB up to a maximum load of 5 wt‐%. Higher loads were recorded with increasing of plasticizer molecular weight.