ENZYMATIC DEGRADATION OF BLENDS CONTAINING POLY(3-HYDROXYBUTYRATE-CO-3-HYDROXYVALERATE)

The enzymatic degradation of blends of poly(beta-hydroxybutyrate-co-16 % beta-hydroxyvalerate) with polystyrene, and styrene-acrylonitrile co polymers was studied. Degradation has been measured by weight loss aft er exposures to the extracellular depolymerase from Penicillium funicu losum. Degradation rates of solution cast blends have been compared wi th injection molded strips. Blends prepared by injection molding showe d a maximum in degradation rate for the 50/50 blends. Blends prepared by solution casting exhibited higher rates for the higher P(HB-co-16% HV) content samples and faster degradation rates compared to those for injection molding.