The results of comprehensive research on the thermal behavior, molecular and crystalline structures of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHB-HV) films of different thicknesses, their molecular weights (Mw) and 3-hydroxyvalerate (3-HV) contents are reported. The film thickness affects the PHB film crystalline structure and crystallinity. A decrease in Mw leads to a smaller number of piezoactive domains in PHB films. The addition of HV significantly reduces the crystallinity and piezoresponse of PHB films. A decrease in Mw results in the increased crystallinity of PHB-HV films.
- Roman V. Chernozem
- Igor O. Pariy
- Maria A. Surmeneva