Abstract
This paper deals with some of the fundamental problems encountered when using a semicrystalline polymer as the matrix phase for a particulate-filled composite. As our model system we adopted poly-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate, PHB, and two copolymers of (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate and (R)3-hydroxyvalerate, P(HB-HV), for the matrix phase, and the mineral calcium hydroxyapatite as a particulate filler. The ...
Abstract
This paper deals with some of the fundamental problems encountered when using a semicrystalline polymer as the matrix phase for a particulate-filled composite. As our model system we adopted poly-(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate, PHB, and two copolymers of (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate and (R)3-hydroxyvalerate, P(HB-HV), for the matrix phase, and the mineral calcium hydroxyapatite as a particulate filler. The structure and properties of compression-moulded films of various compositions were investigated by polarized light microscopy, wide-angle X-ray scattering and mechanical testing. It was found that the degree of crystallinity of the matrix was lower in filled samples, and that the spherulitic crystallization of the matrix appeared to cause the filler particles to form agglomerates, which would not be as effective a reinforcement as finely dispersed primary filler particles. The tensile strength, strain-to-break and tensile modulus of samples of different compositions were analysed using well-known theories for composite behaviour. (C) 2003 Society of Chemical Industry.
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