Comparative study of the effect of TiO₂ and ZnO on the crystallization of PHB

Estudo comparativo do efeito do TiO₂ e ZnO na cristalização do PHB

ABSTRACT

PHB/TiO₂ and PHB/ZnO compounds were prepared in a laboratory internal mixer. Crystallization was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) with heating and cooling rates ranging from 5 to 30 °C/min. Fractured surface of selected samples was analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). From the SEM images, it was observed that ZnO and TiO₂ nanoparticles were properly dispersed in the PHB matrix. DSC studies revealed that the addition of TiO₂ and ZnO changed the temperature and crystallization rate but did not affect the total crystallinity significantly. In general, TiO₂ behaved as nucleating agent greatly influencing the PHB crystallization.

Keywords:
PHB; crystallization; TiO₂; ZnO; DSC