Recycling and Degradation of Mechanical Properties in Lowcrystallinity Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-Co-3-Hydroxyhexanoate)
Author(s)
Zhu, Morgan
Description
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a class of biopolymers capable of which can be produced through bacterial synthesis. Many PHAs have mechanical properties similar to those found in commonly used petroleum- based plastics and, as a result, have garnered interest as a potential as a more sustainable alternative to these materials. While PHAs are biodegradable, current techniques for large-scale biosynthesis require the use of large quantities of organic solvents that do not readily degrade in water and soil. As a result, the production process may incur additional environmental impacts, despite the use of more sustainable raw materials. Thus, recycling may further reduce the impact in the production and processing of PHAs.