CHAPTER 6: Polyhydroxyalkanoate-based Multiphase Materials

This chapter deals with polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based multiphase materials, their preparation, properties, and possible applications. After a brief introduction to the different PHAs and their main physical properties, their limitations and weaknesses are exposed and possible solutions arising from PHA-based multiphase systems are introduced. The influence of the architecture and content of the comonomers on PHAs’ properties is discussed since it may allow improvement and tailoring of these properties. The effects of plasticization and various nucleating agents on the crystallization and properties of PHAs are also exposed. Then, PHA biocomposites and nano-biocomposites based, for example, on organomodified clays and cellulose nano-whiskers are discussed and emphasized. These nanofillers allow easier processing conditions for PHAs and also result in the improved thermal and thermo–mechanical stability of the materials. Finally, this chapter discusses the industrial availability of PHAs and their production capacity in various parts of the world followed by a brief discussion on the potential of PHA-based multiphase materials for applications such as biomedical.