PHAblends
PHAblends is a term used to describe polymer systems in which polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are melt-blended with other polymers to achieve materials with tailored properties. The concept covers binary and multi-component blends designed to combine the biodegradability and renewability of PHAs with improved processability, toughness, or cost efficiency. PHAs such as PHB, PHBV, and related copolymers are commonly paired with biodegradable partners like polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), as well as starch-based or other biodegradable plastics.
Rationale for PHAblends centers on overcoming limitations of PHAs themselves. While PHAs can be brittle and
Processing for PHAblends typically involves melt blending in twin-screw extruders, followed by extrusion processing or molding.
Properties and applications of PHAblends depend on composition. Blends with PBAT or PCL generally offer improved
See also: Polyhydroxyalkanoates, Biodegradable plastics, Polymer blending.