I have the extracted PHB from bacteria in crystal form and by using the same I want to develop a biopolymer film. Please suggest me the method.
PHB is a hygroscopic polymer so you have to dry it before you can fabricate a film sample. You can extrude on a single screw extruder or by compression molding if you have very limited resin. Most biopolymers degrade close to its melt point. So you need to process no more than 5 to 10 degree C above its actual melt point. If there is suitable solvent for PHB then you can solution cast a film. I am not an expert in a solution casting process.
Dear all,
in addition to Dr. Perry M Vadhar contribution and to avoid polymer sticking onto the substrate (or the support), better if the casting is done on a Polytetrafuloroethylene sheet.
Yes, as Aek Aziz said, the most suitable method for biomaterials film preparation is casting technique. First of all find a suitable solvent in which you biopolymer easily soluble without reduction in their molecular weight, then cast on PTFE plate for easy removal.
Dr. Noda has made great suggestion. Depending on Mw of polymer it may require even boiling cholorform. Be carefult when you conduct your experiment. Safety first.
Thanking you all for your valuable point on biopolymer film preparation
The most easy method is injection molding method to form bio-polymer film.
Dear All,
Sorry for Dr. Swat Mohapatra to tell you that to the best of my knowledge it is not possible to make films by injection molding or even compression molding, however may be you mean blow film extrusion. Regards
I had good results by casting method. You can solubilize your polymer in chloroform and cast the solution by solvent evaporation at room temperature.
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