PHB — Polyhydroxybutyrate Biodegradable Resin Pellets Supplier China | Marine Biodegradation
PHB (Polyhydroxybutyrate, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)) is the simplest and stiffest member of the PHA family — a homopolymer of 3-hydroxybutyric acid monomers produced by microbial fermentation. PHB is the reference PHA grade for marine-biodegradable single-use packaging and for medical applications requiring in-vivo bioresorption.
PHB is:
- 100% bio-based — produced by bacterial fermentation of plant sugars
- Marine-biodegradable — the only mainstream polymer with documented ocean-degradation (TÜV OK Marine certified)
- Industrially compostable (EN 13432 / ASTM D6400)
- Soil-biodegradable and home-compostable
- In-vivo bioresorbable — FDA Master File, USP Class VI available
- Stiff, brittle at room temperature — glass transition ~5°C, melting ~175°C
Key limitations: PHB has a narrow processing window due to high crystallinity and low thermal stability above its melting point. We recommend PHBV (3%, 8%, 12% HV) for most flexible applications and PHB only for rigid single-use packaging and medical uses.
Key Properties of PHB (TDS Summary)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) |
| Bio-based carbon content | 100% |
| Density | 1.23–1.25 g/cm³ |
| Tensile strength | 35–40 MPa |
| Tensile modulus | 2.5–3.5 GPa |
| Elongation at break | 3–8% (brittle) |
| Heat deflection temp (HDT) | 130–140°C |
| Glass transition temp (Tg) | 0–5°C |
| Melting point (Tm) | 170–180°C |
| Biodegradation | Marine, soil, industrial compost, home compost, in-vivo |
| Melt processing temp | 170–185°C (narrow window) |
| Drying requirement | 80°C / 4–6 h, desiccant dryer |
PHB Subdivisions Available
| Subdivision | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
| PHB Standard Grade | High Mw, rigid | Single-use packaging, marine single-use |
| PHB Injection Grade | Optimized melt flow | Cups, cutlery, rigid containers |
| PHB Medical Grade | USP Class VI, FDA Master File | Implants, sutures, scaffolds |
| PHB Coating Grade | Low MFI for extrusion coating | Compostable paper cups |
| PHB + PLA Blend | Improved heat stability | Rigid single-use packaging |
Applications of PHB
Marine-Biodegradable Single-Use
- Single-use fishing gear (lures, bait bags, aquaculture netting)
- Marine-degradable cutlery & containers
- Coastal cleanup consumables
Rigid Food Packaging
- Cups, lids, single-use food containers
- Compostable coffee capsules (PHB + PBAT blend)
Medical (in-vivo bioresorbable)
- Bone-fixation pins & screws
- Drug-delivery microspheres
- Tissue-engineering scaffolds
- Surgical sutures (slow-resorption)
Agricultural
- Slow-release fertilizer coating
- Pesticide encapsulation
Compliance & Documentation
- EN 13432 — industrial compostability
- ASTM D6400 — US industrial compostability
- TÜV OK Marine — marine biodegradability
- TÜV OK Compost HOME — home-compostable
- FDA 21 CFR — food-contact clearance
- FDA Drug Master File — medical-grade available
- USP Class VI biocompatibility variants on request
- RoHS 2 / RoHS 3 — compliant
- REACH (EC) 1907/2006 — SVHC below 0.1%
Packaging & Logistics
- Pellets: 25 kg / bag (industry standard)
- Storage: dry, sealed, <25°C; shelf life 12 months
- Lead time: 14–30 days
- MOQ: 25 kg (sample); 500 kg (production batch)
Contact — 24h Quote
Daishuming Lingli — Founder & Sales Director
Phone: +86-13922534393 | Email: [email protected]
Send: PHB grade (standard / medical / coating) + quantity + application + destination. 24h reply with TDS, MSDS, COA, EN 13432, ASTM D6400, TÜV OK Marine documentation, and FOB Shanghai or CIF pricing.
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Need PHB quote? 24h response.
Send: grade + quantity + application + destination. FOB Shanghai · CIF major ports. Free TDS · MSDS · EN 13432 · ASTM D6400 · TÜV OK Marine documentation.
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