Fabrication of Porous Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) Monoliths via Thermally Induced Phase Separation.

ABSTRACT: This study deals with the fabrication of biodegradable porous materials from bacterial polyester, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (P3HB3HH_x), via thermally induced phase separation. P3HB3HH_x monoliths with topological porous structure were prepared by dissolution of P3HB3HH_x in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) at 85 °C and subsequent quenching. The microstructure of the resulting P3HB3HH_x monoliths was changed by the P3HB3HH_x concentration of the polymer solution. Differential scanning calorimetry and polarized optical microscope analysis revealed that the P3HB3HH_x monoliths crystallized during phase separation and the subsequent aging. The mechanical properties, such as compression modulus and stress, of the monoliths depended on the 3-hydroxyhexanoate content of P3HB3HH_x. Furthermore, the P3HB3HH_x monolith absorbed linseed oil in preference to water in a plant oil?water mixture. In combination with the biodegradable character of P3HB3HH_x, the present study is expected to contribute to the development of bio-based materials.

SUBMITTER: Tsujimoto T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6432561 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature