Biodegradable self‐reinforced films of poly (3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and PHBV microparticles were prepared through the solvent casting method (srPHBV). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS) and polarized optical microscopy results confirmed the nucleating effect of PHBV microparticles. WAXS proved that diffractograms of PHBV and srPHBV‐6 films at room temperature contain the main characteristic diffraction peaks of an orthorhombic α‐type crystalline structure. Small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) showed a similar decrement rate of long spacing in PHBV and srPHBV films. SAXS/WAXS data revealed that when the amount of filler was increased, lamellae thickness grew. Transmission electron microscopy images illustrated well filler dispersion in the srPHBV films. Scanning electron microscopy results exhibited a significant reduction in porosity for srPHBV films once the PHBV microparticles were added. Atomic force microscopy analysis showed higher surface roughness after filler incorporation. Samples of srPHBV films showed higher barrier properties against water vapor, oxygen, and carbon dioxide. Combined properties of srPHBV films revealed the possibility of being suitable candidates for food packaging applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E120–E128, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers