PHBV
Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate)
Glass Transition (Tg)
-5 to 5 °C
Melting Point (Tm)
140–170 °C
Density
1.25 g/cm³
CAS Number
80181-31-3
Recycling Code
♺ 7
Category
Biodegradable
Repeat Unit
–[O–CH(CH₃)–CH₂–CO]ₓ–[O–CH(C₂H₅)–CH₂–CO]ᵧ–
The repeating unit is the smallest structural fragment whose repetition builds the whole chain. Subscripts show the relative share of each unit in copolymers.
Key Properties
Valerate comonomer disrupts crystallinity, lowering Tm and dramatically improving the brittleness and processing window of PHB.
Applications
Compostable cutlery and packaging, controlled-release carriers.