%0 Journal Article 
%A Díez Pascual, Ana María
%T Effect of graphene oxide on the properties of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)
%D 2021
%@ 2073-4360
%U http://hdl.handle.net/10017/49657
%X The main shortcomings of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), which is a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer used for biomedical and food packaging applications, are
its low thermal stability, poor impact resistance and lack of antibacterial
activity. This issue can be improved by blending with other biodegradable
polymers such as polyhydroxyhexanoate to form
poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx), which is a copolymer
with better impact strength and lower melting point. However, PHBHHx shows reduced
stiffness than PHB and poorer barrier properties against moisture and gases,
which is a drawback for use in the food industry. In this regard, novel
biodegradable PHBHHx/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposites have been prepared via
a simple, cheap and environmentally friendly solvent casting method to enhance
the mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity. The morphology,
mechanical, thermal, barrier and antibacterial properties of the nanocomposites
were assessed via several characterization methods to show the enhancement in
the biopolymer properties. The stiffness and strength of the biopolymer were
enhanced up to 40% and 28%, respectively, related to the strong
matrix-nanofiller interfacial adhesion attained via hydrogen bonding
interactions. Moreover, the nanocomposites showed superior thermal stability
(as far as 40 degrees C), lower water uptake (up to 70%) and better gas and
vapour barrier properties (about 45 and 35% reduction) than neat PHBHHx. They
also displayed strong biocide action against Gram positive and Gram negative
bacteria. These bio-based nanocomposites with antimicrobial activity offer new
perspectives for the replacement of traditional petroleum-based synthetic
polymers currently used for food packaging.
%K Graphene oxide
%K Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)
%K Barrier properties
%K Mechanical properties
%K Nanocomposites
%K Food packaging
%K Química
%K Chemistry
%~ Biblioteca Universidad de Alcala