Blends and composites of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and their applications

A plastic dominated world where we live in today is constantly facing the adversities of this man-made havoc caused due to its non-biodegradable nature. Biopolymers such as Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), on the other hand, are proved to be more environmentally friendly but the difficult production procedures and questionable quality of these polymers have caused setbacks in their way to a promising future towards sustainable production and development. Therefore, new methodologies are required in order to come up with better formulations and strategies. The chemical make-up of PHAs can be explored at a deeper level to construct its amalgamation with other materials. This review gives a comprehensive understanding of blending of PHAs that is more efficient in improving its characteristics leading to better production and enhanced quality-based uses. To whisk PHAs with newly designed compounds can provide us with superior products to use in routine at a greater manufacturing scale. In addition to that, possible applications of these blends in biodegradation of other polymers along with their future applications in different sectors are also discussed. From a historical perspective to new advancements made in terms of boosting PHAs’ biocompatibility, biodegradability, mechanical strength and structure-based properties are also talked through.