ABSTRACT
Composite materials based on biodegradable polymers are currently evoking great scientifi c and practical interest. Among these polymers is poly(3-hydroxybu-tyrate) (PHB), which belongs to the class of poly(3hydroxyalkanoates). Because of its good mechanical properties (close to those of PP) and biodegradability, PHB has been intensely studied in the literature [1]. However, because of its signifi cant brittleness and high cost, PHB is virtually always employed in the form of blends with starch, cellulose, PE [2], etc., rather than in pure form.
