Polyhydroxyalkanoates

Bacterial Synthesis

Bacterial strains and feedstock types determine the specific chemical structure and properties of the resulting resin. Polyhydroxyalkanoates can range from hard plastics to soft elastomers depending on the length of the side chains in the polymer backbone. This biological origin allows for a high degree of tunability during the production phase.

Thermal Stability

Sensitivity to heat and a narrow processing window require careful management during the injection moulding process. Polyhydroxyalkanoates tend to degrade quickly once the melting point is exceeded, leading to a sharp decrease in molecular weight. A moulder must minimize residence time in the barrel to maintain the integrity of the part.

Barrier Property

Resistance to oxygen and moisture makes these resins suitable for food packaging and medical applications. Polyhydroxyalkanoates offer protection that exceeds many other biodegradable plastics, helping to extend the shelf life of the contents. Their biocompatibility also makes them useful for surgical sutures and tissue engineering scaffolds.

The high cost of production currently limits their use to premium or specialty markets where environmental performance is a primary requirement. As production scales up, these materials are expected to compete more directly with conventional polyolefins.