Polyhydroxyalkanoate-based resin foamed particle, molded article comprising the same and process for producing the same

1. Poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) resin foamed particles being composed of a resin composition that comprises an isocyanate compound, and a polymer, poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate), having a recurring unit represented by the general formula (1):

[—O—CHR—CH 2 —CO—]  (1)

wherein R represents an alkyl group represented by C n H 2n+1 , wherein n is an integer of from 1 to 15, produced by a microorganism,

wherein the poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) is poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) and the 3-hydroxyhexanoate is included in an amount of 1 to 20% by mole in the composition of copolymerizing components of the poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate)

wherein the amount of the isocyanate compound is 0.5 to 4 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate).

2. A molded product of the poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) resin foamed particles obtained by charging the resin foamed particles according to claim 1 into a mold, followed by heat molding.

3. A method of producing the poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) resin foamed particles according to claim 1 comprising: allowing a substrate resin comprising a resin composition comprising poly(3-hydroxyalkanoate) and an isocyanate compound to be dispersed in an aqueous dispersion medium in an airtight container together with a dispersant; then introducing a foaming agent into the airtight container; heating them to not lower than the softening temperature of the substrate resin; and thereafter opening one end of the airtight container so as to release the substrate resin and the aqueous dispersion medium to an atmosphere with a pressure lower than the pressure in the airtight container, thereby allowing the substrate resin to be foamed.

4. A process of production of a molded article, comprising charging the foamed particles according to claim 1 into a mold, followed by heat molding to obtain the molded article.