PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate) is a biodegradable thermoplastic polyester produced naturally by certain bacteria or synthesized chemically, belonging to the polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) family of biopolymers. It is used primarily in packaging, agricultural films, medical devices, and injection-molded consumer products where biodegradability and biocompatibility are valued; PHB offers an environmentally attractive alternative to conventional plastics in applications tolerant of lower impact resistance and higher processing costs. The material is notable for combining processability with compostability in industrial and marine environments, making it relevant for single-use items, medical sutures, and scaffolds where end-of-life disposal and biocompatibility are design drivers.
Compliance & Regulations
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Compressive Strength(σc) | 0.1621 | ksi | — | ||
Elongation at Break(εf) | 7.872 | - | — | ||
Flexural Strength (MOR)(σf) | 4.140 | ksi | — | ||
Ultimate Tensile Strength(σUTS) | 4.234 | ksi | — | ||
Young's Modulus(E) | 299.7 | ksi | — |
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Glass Transition Temperature(Tg) | 37.14 | °F | — | ||
Melting Point / Solidus(Tm) | 344.4 | °F | — | ||
Maximum Service Temperature(Tmax) | 502.5 | °F | — | ||
Thermal Conductivity(k) | 0.4778 | BTU/(hr·ft·°F) | — |