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Melt-processed poly (vinyl alcohol)/corn starch/nanocellulose composites with improved mechanical properties
Peng Zhou1, Yongyue Luo2, Zhen Lv2
1Key laboratory of Leather Chemistry and engineering, Ministry of Education and College of Biomass Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|June 7, 2021
Summary
This study enhances biodegradable poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composites using corn starch (CS) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). The resulting materials exhibit improved mechanical properties and a broader processing window for sustainable plastic applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Biocomposites
Background:
- Biodegradable plastics like poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) often have limitations in processability and mechanical strength.
- Developing sustainable and mechanically robust materials is crucial for reducing environmental impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the mechanical properties and thermoplasticity of biodegradable poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) composites.
- To broaden the processing window of PVA for melt-processing applications.
- To investigate the role of corn starch (CS) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) in modifying PVA.
Main Methods:
- Melt-processing of PVA with varying concentrations of CS and CNFs.
- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy to analyze hydrogen bonding.
- Thermal analysis to determine the processing window.
- Tensile testing to evaluate mechanical properties.
Main Results:
- Incorporation of CS and CNFs significantly broadened the processing window of PVA to 131.46 °C.
- Hydrogen bonding analysis confirmed the disruption of PVA's internal bonds and formation of new bonds with CS and CNFs.
- Composites with 10 wt% CS and 10 wt% CNFs achieved tensile strength of 28.19 MPa, modulus of 1572.54 MPa, and elongation at break of 10.72%.
Conclusions:
- CS and CNFs effectively enhance the mechanical robustness and processability of biodegradable PVA.
- The strategy provides a pathway for creating complex 3D PVA products via melt-processing.
- This approach offers a method for improving other biodegradable plastics' performance.
