CHARACTERIZATION OF THE MICROSTRUCTURE OF POLY (HYDROXY BUTANOIC ACID) COPOLYMERS DURING THEIR POST-FABRICATION ANNEALING AT ROOM TEMPERATURE

摘要

The mechanical properties of bio-based, biodegradable poly (hydroxy butanoic acid) or PHB copolymers are known to change considerably over a period of time after their parts are fabricated. This study will focus on the changes in semi-crystalline morphology during this aging process. The semi-crystalline morphology is characterized using the three-phase model (crystalline, mobile amorphous and rigid amorphous phases) and through a variety of experimental probes including thermal analysis, refractometry, x-ray diffraction and solid-state NMR.