ARS | Publication request: THE PROPERTIES OF THE BLENDS OF VARIOUS RENEWABLE POLYMERS WITH POLY(HYDROXY ESTER ETHER)

Submitted to: Materials Research Society Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 3, 1999
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Poly(hydroxy ester ether) (PHEE) is a recently developed bisphenol A ether-based synthetic biodegradable thermoplastic polymer. It was found that the compatibility and mechanical properties of the blends of PHEE with many renewable protein-containing materials strongly depend on their solubility and hydrophobicity. Morphological analyses by scanning electron microscopy showed that many renewable materials could be used as fillers. Mechanical (tensile testing) properties including Young's modulus, percent elongation, and tensile yield strength, indicating optimal end-uses of products formulated from these materials, were determined. It was found that these renewable materials could be used to adjust mechanical properties of ultimate products. Thermal analyses by differential scanning calorimetry were carried out to reveal their inherent properties and compatibility of various blends at different temperatures, providing information valuable for the molding applications. It was concluded that PHEE filled with inexpensive and renewable biodegradable polymers could be an attractive system for biodegradable, molded applications. This research was conducted under CRADA 58-3K95-9-717 between Agricultural Research Service and Biotechnology Research and Development Corporation.