Synthesis and characterization of MgO-doped PHA bio-composites

In this study, a highly useable MgO doped polymer composite of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), which is an alternative to conventional plastics and an environmentally friendly plastic material due to its biodegradability, was investigated. PHA-MgO composites were obtained by stirring in a suitable solution for a long time with the help of a homogenizer. Then, MgO was added and the changes in Poly Hydroxy Alkonate (PHA) polymer composites were investigated according to the changing MgO ratio. Composites were prepared by adding MgO at different ratios of 1 %, 5 %, 10 % and 15 % into PHA. The structural results of the prepared samples were investigated by using XRD (X-Ray Diffraction) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy). In addition, the thermal properties of the composites were investigated by DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) and TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis). Furthermore, the optical properties of PHA-MgO composites were determined by UV-VIS spectrometry. Finally, since PHA polymer exhibits shape memory properties, the shape memory properties of the composites were also investigated.