The effect of surface roughness on biodegradability of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) was investigated. The PHB film prepared by cooling the molten polymer slowly (-0.5℃/min) had higher crystallinity and melting temperature than that prepared by quenching...
The effect of surface roughness on biodegradability of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) was investigated. The PHB film prepared by cooling the molten polymer slowly (-0.5℃/min) had higher crystallinity and melting temperature than that prepared by quenching into liquid nitrogen followed by annealing at 90℃ for 2 hours. However, the former sample was found to degrade faster than the latter due to presence of microscopic crack. Roughening the surface of a PHB film by hot pressing under a coarse surfaced plate accelerated the bioerosion considerably of the sample in comparison with the sample having the same thermal history but smooth surface. [Poly (3-hydroxybutyrate), biodegradability, surface roughness, the modified Sturm test].