Biodegradable composites based on poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate), nanocellulose and graphene: from rheology to microstructure

• Grant number: 23/00894-3
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: December 01, 2023
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Agreement: CNPq
• Principal Investigator: Guilhermino José Macêdo Fechine
• Grantee: Guilhermino José Macêdo Fechine
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia (EE). Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie (UPM). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: São Paulo
• Associated research grant: 22/07054-8 - Biodegradable hierarchical polymeric composites based on poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) - PHBV, graphene oxide - GO and Rami fiber, AP.R
• Associated scholarship(s): 24/20172-5 - Biodegradable composites based on poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate), nanocellulose and graphene: from rheology to microstructure, BP.JD; 23/14291-9 - Biodegradable composites based on poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate), nanocellulose and graphene: from rheology to microstructure, BP.JD

Abstract

Biodegradable polymers such as poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) are presented as a possible alternative to the environmental disadvantages associated with petroleum-derived polymers. However, the mechanical properties of PHBV fall short of what is desired for technological applications. The addition of graphene and derivatives as well as nanocellulose crystals have the potential to reinforce PHBV, in order to generate composite materials with suitable mechanical properties for production and large-scale applications. This proposal presents a work plan focused on the rheological characterization, using shear and extensional flows, of nanocomposites based on PHBV and nanocellulose crystals associated with graphene and graphene oxide. The expected results include the development of a three-phase composite, and the association of the composites rheological behavior with the morphology of the dispersed phases. (AU)