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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #103625
Title: THE PROPERTIES OF THE BLENDS OF VARIOUS RENEWABLE POLYMERS WITH POLY(HYDROXY ESTER ETHER)

Author
item Wang, Chaohua
item BIETZ, JEROLD - NCAUR-ARS (RETIRED)
item Willett, Julious
item Carriere, Craig

Submitted to: Annual Meeting of the Bio Environmentally Degradable Polymer Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/21/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Poly(hydroxy ester ether) (PHEE) is a newly developed bisphenol A ether-based synthetic biodegradable thermoplastic polymer. The blends of PHEE with various renewable and biodegradable polymers differing in solubility and hydrophobicity were investigated. Morphological analyses by scanning electron microscopy were carried out to reveal the degree of compatibility of the PHEE with those renewable polymers. Thermal analyses by differential scanning calorimetry were done to reveal inherent properties of those renewable polymers and compatibilities of various blends at different temperatures, providing information valuable for the compression molding. Mechanical (tensile testing) analyses revealed physical constants including Young's modulus, percent elongation, and tensile yield strength, indicating optimal end-uses of products formulated from these materials. It was found that many renewable polymers were compatible with the PHEE thermoplastic. The Young's modulus of some PHEE/renewable polymer blends was as high as that of other synthetic polymers. 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.