PHA Latex Composite Films: Mechanical Properties and Surface Visualization

Abstract

Homopolymer PHB and copolymer PHB/HV containing granules were isolated from Azotobacter chroococcum cells and used for latexes formation. Composite latex films were formed from the PHB and PHB/HV latexes with different content of poly (vinyl alcohol) and glycerol and a hydrophobic fluorescent benzanthrone derivated dye 3-piperidinobenzanthrone, possessed high fluorescence intensity in a system with PHA granules. Fluorescence based methods were used for characterization of the elaborated latex film by their stability at high temperature and for visualization of the film surfaces PHA granules distribution. Film stability in phosphate buffered saline was evaluated by dye migration activity in the solution. The results of mechanical testing of the latex films were compared with the stability testing and surface visualization results. The data obtained allow a better understanding the difference of the mechanical and physical properties of the investigated films.