Thermoplastic comparison
PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate, a PHA) vs PVC, rigid (uPVC)
Every value below is a typical room-temperature figure with its source, test method and conditions — the same dataset that drives the calculators.
| Property | PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate, a PHA) | PVC, rigid (uPVC) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.25 g/cm³ | 1.4 g/cm³ | PVC, rigid (uPVC) — 12% higher |
| Young's modulus E | 3.5 GPa | 3 GPa | PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate, a PHA) — 17% higher |
| Tensile strength | 40 MPa | 48 MPa | PVC, rigid (uPVC) — 20% higher |
| Glass transition Tg | 4 °C | 82 °C | PVC, rigid (uPVC) — 78 °C higher |
Where these numbers come from
- Sudesh, Abe & Doi, Prog. Polym. Sci. 25 (2000) 1503–1555 — PHA structure & properties review
- Callister & Rethwisch, Materials Science and Engineering, 10th ed.
Typical room-temperature values for learning and preliminary design; grades vary widely and a supplier datasheet always overrides a textbook figure. Confirm against the datasheet before design work.